Facts about Traumatic Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury is a serious injury that affects the entire life of a sufferer and their loved ones. What is traumatic brain injury, and what should individuals do if they or a loved one has suffered such an injury? Read below for a quick primer on a shockingly common type of personal injury.
What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury is any injury caused by a blow or penetration to or of the head, which then disrupts the structure and function of the brain. While it is possible to experience a blow to the head and not suffer a traumatic brain injury as a result, failure to properly diagnose and treat such injuries is much more common than over-diagnosis. Brainline, a foundation with the mission of spreading information regarding the prevention of traumatic brain injuries as well as information concerning treatment and life adjustments for those with such injuries, reports that nearly two million people sustain traumatic brain injuries each year, of whom over 50,000 sufferers die. It is not known how many individuals never make it to an emergency room or urgent care location in time to diagnose or treat their traumatic brain injury.
How Do Individuals Sustain Traumatic Brain Injuries?
Traumatic brain injuries can be caused through a variety of accidents and activities. The vast majority of traumatic brain injuries are caused by slips, trips, or falls. Motor vehicle accidents and similar mishaps lead to a substantial portion of diagnosed traumatic brain injuries as well. Males are substantially more likely than females to sustain traumatic brain injuries, possibly due to males’ higher propensity to engage in risk-taking activities. Young children and teenagers are particularly at risk for traumatic brain injuries, and drug and alcohol use is a notable risk factor for sustaining these injuries.
How Does Traumatic Brain Injury Affect People?
Traumatic brain injuries vary in severity. They may be rather mild, or alternatively can be quite severe. The severity of the injury determines how and for how long the sufferer’s life is affected. The victim of a mild traumatic brain injury may “pass out”, suffer pain or discomfort, or see temporary decreases in memory and problem solving abilities. The victim of a very serious traumatic brain injury may experience a loss of the ability to complete basic life tasks like caring for oneself or holding a job. Traumatic brain injuries can affect the way a sufferer thinks, speaks and communicates, learns, and processes emotions and mental states. These injuries can also raise a sufferer’s risk for other neurological conditions later in life like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Of course, the sufferer of a traumatic brain injury is not the only victim. The friends and loved ones of a person who suffers a traumatic brain injury can experience stress and anxiety, and can find themselves with additional responsibilities to care for and manage the health of the injured individual.
If you or someone you love has sustained a traumatic brain injury, it may be possible to recover financially. At Barbas, Nunez, Sanders, Butler & Hovsepian, our Tampa lawyers experienced specifically with cases involving traumatic brain injuries are ready to consult on your case. Call toll-free at 1 (800) 227-2275 for a consultation today.
