Alcohol & Brain Injury

Between 32 and 73% of all brain injuries resulting in hospitalization are accompanied by a high blood alcohol level. Fatality crashes involving men are much more likely to be alcohol related than those involving women.

Brain injury can be caused by alcohol because it:

• Has a toxic effect on the central nervous system.
• Results in changes to metabolism, heart functioning and blood supply.
• Interferes with the absorption of vitamin B1 (thiamine), which is an important brain nutrient.
• May be associated with poor nutrition.
• Can cause dehydration, which may lead to wastage of brain cells.
• Can lead to falls and accidents that injure the brain.

Back to brain injury articles