March has been designated as Traumatic Brain injury Awareness Month. In support of this effort, I am going to spend the month of March educating you about this condition that affects so many people. Continue to visit my blog throughout the month to read more about traumatic brain injuries.
First thing’s first, what exactly is a traumatic brain injury?
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a an injury to the brain due to a blow, jolt, bump, or penetrating head injury that causes a disruption of the normal function of the brain. In the United states as many as 2.4 million people sustain traumatic brain injuries every year.
The following traumatic brain injury statistics are quite alarming:
- Traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of death and disability of children and adults, ages 1-44.
- Approximately 52,000 deaths per year occur as the result of traumatic brain injury.
- There are an estimated 1.6 million to 3.8 million sports-related TBIs annually.
- Males are twice as likely to suffer a TBI as females.
The top five causes of traumatic brain injury are; falls, car accidents, struck by or against something, sports-related injuries, and criminal assault.
No two brain injuries are the alike, which means medical care, required treatment, and a rehabilitation plan will be different for every person who suffers a traumatic brain injury. There are three designated levels of injury: mild, moderate and severe.
- Mild – Awake; eyes open. Also referred to as a concussion. Symptoms can include confusion, memory and attention difficulties, headache, and behavioral problems.
- Moderate – Lethargic; eyes open to stimulation. Some brain swelling and/or bleeding causing sleepiness, but still arousable.
- Severe – Coma; eyes do not open, even with stimulation. Associated with 20-50% death rate and/or severe disabilities.
Knowledge about traumatic brain injury can save a life. Fast action and quick treatment can significantly increase someone’s chances of survival and recovery. Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month shines a light on this issue, and I am excited to do my part to further the cause.
If you or someone you love suffered a traumatic brain injury, you need to call me right away at 1 (800) 556-4769 to schedule a FREE consultation to discuss your injury and whether it could have been prevented. As your Medical Malpractice lawyer, I’ll be there for you, and I’ll Make Them Pay!®
Author: Tim Misny | For over 33 years, personal injury lawyer Tim Misny has represented the injured victim in birth injury, medical malpractice, and catastrophic injury/wrongful death cases, serving “Cleveland, Akron/Canton, Columbus & Cincinnati, Ohio.” You can reach Tim by email at tmisny@misnylaw.com or call at 1 (800) 556-4769.