[thedoc (OP)]

Dama asked the Naked Scientists:
   
Hi! When having a concussion or contusion, or any severe bruise within the brain, it cause neuronal death.

However, my question is how that actually works? What makes the brain cells die? Do the connections between them break? The receptors? Or the braincell as whole?

What do you think?

[cheryl j]

If cells actually die, its usually lack of blood. Unlike your ankle, when the brain is injured and swells, it can't expand outward because of the skull. A swollen brain can compress blood vessels and shut off blood supply to cells. Nio blood means no oxygen which means no energy and build up of wastes.

[chris]

Pressure on cells themselves can be detrimental.