FAQs: Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
| TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES (TBI) |
| - What is traumatic brain injury? - What are the most common causes of traumatic brain injury? - What are the side effects of brain injury? - Who is most at risk for sustaining a brain injury? - What physical damages can occur after a brain injury? - How is a traumatic brain injury diagnosed? - What are cerebral contusions? - How many people suffer traumatic brain injury each year? - How is traumatic brain injury treated? - Can traumatic brain injury be prevented? - Why is traumatic brain injury referred to as the “Silent Epidemic”? What is traumatic brain injury? Traumatic brain injury is any physical injury to the brain caused by an external force. This force may produce a diminished or altered state of consciousness. Trauma or forces exerted on the brain cause damage which often are at the microscopic level, resulting in a negative impact on speech, cognition, behavior, personality, emotions, and perceptions. Other times, the person may sustain no loss of consciousness or coma or only a fleeting alteration in consciousness. Nonetheless, there may be injury to the brain, which can cause deficits in a person's functioning. [ BACK TO TOP ] What are the most common causes of traumatic brain injury?
[ BACK TO TOP ] What are the side effects of brain injury?There are numerous side effects affecting a person who has suffered a traumatic brain injury. Below is a list of the most common.
[ BACK TO TOP ] Who is most at risk for sustaining a brain injury?Anyone can incur a brain injury. However, statistics show that males are two times more likely than females to sustain a brain injury. The highest rates of brain injury typically occur in males ages 15-24. Young children and individuals over 75 years of age are also more susceptible to head injury due to falls. Individuals who have already sustained a brain injury are also at an increased risk of sustaining another brain injury. [ BACK TO TOP ] What physical damages can occur after a brain injury?After a brain injury, a variety of physical damages may occur including:
[ BACK TO TOP ] How is a traumatic brain injury diagnosed?If there is evidence of gross damage to the brain, such as hemorrhaging, swelling or contusions, these physical findings are detected by CT scan or MRI. Where the damage is minimal, a diagnosis is made by obtaining history from the patient, the symptoms reported by the patient and the results of neuropsychological testing. Patients with brain injury require frequent assessments and diagnostic tests. These include:
[ BACK TO TOP ] What are cerebral contusions?Cerebral contusions are bruises on the brain caused by the brain striking the wall of the skull. A severe contusion will involve swelling of the brain. If swelling is severe, these injuries can cause a severe headache, dizziness, and vomiting. One pupil may be larger than the other. Depending on which area of the brain is damaged, the ability to think, control emotions, move, feel, speak, see, hear, and remember may be impaired. The person may become irritable, restless, or agitated. [ BACK TO TOP ] How many people suffer traumatic brain injury each year?Approximately two million head injuries occur each year in the United States and between 75,000 and 100,000 Americans die each year as a result of those injuries. For those who survive, at least 500,000 will require hospitalization and 70,000 to 90,000 will suffer long-term, physical, intellectual, psychological and cognitive deficits. After a brain injury, things that once were easy and familiar become strange and difficult. The injured party often becomes less efficient at their job and their livelihood is jeopardized. [ BACK TO TOP ] How is traumatic brain injury treated?The cognitive and communication problems of traumatic brain injury are best treated early, often beginning while the individual is still in the hospital. This early therapy will frequently center on increasing skills of alertness and attention, and focus on improving orientation to person, place, time, and situation. Long-term rehabilitation can be performed individually, in groups, or both, depending upon the needs of the individual. This therapy occurs in a rehab facility designed specifically for the treatment of individuals with traumatic brain injury. This type of setting allows for intensive therapy by speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, occupational therapists, and neuropsychologists. Other courses of action may include therapy at home by visiting therapists or on an outpatient basis at a hospital, medical center, or rehabilitation facility. [ BACK TO TOP ] Can traumatic brain injury be prevented?Unlike most neurological disorders, head injuries can be prevented. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued the following safety tips for reducing the risk of suffering a traumatic brain injury:
[ BACK TO TOP ] Why is traumatic brain injury referred to as the “Silent Epidemic”?Traumatic brain injury has been referred to as the ?silent epidemic" because of the staggering number of people who are injured each year and the lack of public awareness about its consequences. [ BACK TO TOP ] We at Munley, Munley & Cartwright are committed to handling claims of individuals sustaining traumatic brain injury (TBI). We are committed to spending the time with you and your family members to gain a deep understanding for each and every way the injury has affected your life. We are committed to spend the necessary time in order you understand your rights in the progress of your case. Our staff is committed to trying to make your life easier, and we will endeavor to put you in contact with support groups and treating doctors as your case may require. For a free claim evaluation and discussion of your legal options, please contact us today. |
At Munley, Munley & Cartwright, our goal is to provide exceptional legal services to our clients. We strive to achieve the highest standard of excellence for the protection of individual rights through team work and the use of our considerable resources and experience. For a free consultation regarding your legal concerns, contact us today for a free consultation or call us toll free at 1-800-318-LAW1.
