Every 23 seconds one person in the United States sustains a TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury).
Traumatic Brain Injury – Safety First
When we gave our son a new bike for his birthday, we explained to him the importance of wearing his helmet. He grinned, and then explained to us how careful he is when he rides his bike. One day later my son comes running in the house with blood running down his leg and arm. He tells me that he was going over a jump and something happened, maybe it was the bike’s fault, but he ended up going over the handle bars. I told him that I was proud of him for wearing his helmet. He gives me a sly little grin and says “But Dad, I forgot to wear my helmet.”
I admit it: I never wore a helmet when I was a kid. But that’s not the point! I now realize that dumb luck is the only thing which kept me safe. Today, almost one-third of the estimated 1.7 million people who sustain TBI’s are children.
Concussions are most common
Concussion is the most common type of brain injury. A concussion is caused when the brain receives trauma from an impact or sudden momentum or movement change. The blood vessels in the brain may stretch and cranial nerves may be damaged. A concussion may or may not show up on a CAT scan. The main cause of TBI’s are falls and motor vehicle accidents.
Symptoms of TBI often include the following:
- trouble recalling events before and after the blow
- trouble concentrating
- nausea
- trouble following directions
- fatigue
- abnormal movement of the eyes
- changes in behavior
- confusion
- trouble answering questions
- sleepiness
- headache
- lethargy
While many head injuries can be mild and will heal quickly, a TBI can be one of the most serious and life-changing injuries imaginable. TBI can cause impairment of cognitive abilities or physical functioning. TBI can also result in the disturbance of behavioral or emotional functioning. These impairments may be either temporary or permanent and cause partial or total functional disability or psychological maladjustment.
Most common unmet problems include difficulty with:
- improving memory and problem solving
- managing stress and emotional upset
- temper control or anger management
- improving job skills
Seek Proper Care for a Traumatic Brain Injury
We have represented numerous clients who have sustained traumatic brain injuries in auto accidents. One of the biggest challenges is making sure that the problem is clearly identified and that the person receives the correct medical care from proper health care professionals. Fortunately, we are learning more and more every day about the problems associated with head injuries, and our treatment options are expanding. In fact, the Orthopaedic Center of Central Virginia recently hired a physician who will provide specialized concussion management within the Lynchburg community. For more information go to www.biausa.org (Brain Injury Association); www.cdc.gov (Center for Disease Control); www.dvbic.org (Defense and Veteran’s Brain Injury Center); www.hrsa.gov (Health Resource Service Association).
Leave A Comment
You must be logged in to post a comment.