I
njuries have traditionally been defined as physical damage to a
person caused by an acute transfer of energy (mechanical, thermal, electrical,
chemical, or radiation energy) or by the sudden absence of heat or oxygen. This
definition has been broadened to include damage that results in psychological
harm, maldevelopment, or deprivation.
1
Injuries are most commonly categorized
with reference to the presumed underlying intent: injuries considered to be unin
-
tentional include those caused by road-traffic incidents, falls, drowning, burns, and
poisonings, and injuries considered to be intentional include those caused by self-
harm, interpersonal violence, and war and conflict.
2,3