Brain Injury Awareness Month is observed every March to educate Americans on a major leading cause of death and disability known as TBI. It is a time to recognize that more than 5 million Americans live with disabilities due to traumatic brain injury primarily caused by falls, striking objects or motor vehicle crashes. And, while not all TBI’s are severe or fatal, they can be permanent and life altering for many.
What exactly is a Traumatic brain injury or TBI?
First off, it is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head. It can also occur as a result of a penetrating head injury which disrupts normal brain function. Such injuries are categorized as mild or severe.
- Mild TBI’s are referred to as concussions and may briefly alter brain consciousness.
- Severe TBI’s include memory loss which can last from a few days to the rest of a person’s life.
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, one of the key factors in recognizing TBI symptoms early include:
H – Headaches or Vomiting
E — Ears Ringing
A – Amnesia or altered/loss of consciousness
D – Double Vision and/or dizzy spells
S – Something is wrong, or just not quite right
If any or all of these symptoms are evident after a head injury, it is important to get help immediately.
Statistics on TBI Cases:
- Falls account for nearly 50% of all TBI related ER visits, hospitalizations and deaths.
- Auto accidents are the leading cause of TBI-related hospitalizations for persons ages 15 to 44 years old.
- TBI contributes to approximately 30% related deaths.
- Approximately 153 people die every day in the US from TBI related cases
It is important to note that traumatic brain injury can sometimes last a lifetime and adversely affect not just the physically injured, but also their family members and friends who often take on a caregiving role.
This is compounded by the emotional trauma associated with TBI which can often be lifechanging as well.
If you or a loved one has suffered from a TBI, you may need to hire an attorney specialized in one or more of the following areas of the law: brain injury , personal injury , wrongful death , to name a few.
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