A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury to the brain that is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. This can happen from a fall, car accident, sports injury, or any other type of physical trauma. TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on how much damage is done to the brain. Effects of a TBI can range from minor problems with memory and concentration to coma and death. Because the symptoms of TBI can be subtle and mimic other conditions such as ADHD or depression, it is important to talk to a professional if you think you may have suffered a brain injury. In this article, we will discuss the common causes of TBI and what you can do if you think you may have suffered one.
Car accidents
One of the most common causes of TBI is a car accident. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of TBI in adults aged 19-44 years old. Because no one can predict the extent of damages a TBI can cause, the cost of traumatic brain injury treatment is often very high. Treatment for a TBI can include emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term support. There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for TBI, so it is important to work with a healthcare professional who can help you manage your symptoms. There are also several things you can do to help reduce your risk of a TBI in a car accident, including wearing a seat belt, driving defensively, and not drinking and driving.
Falls
Another common cause of TBI is a fall. Falls are the leading cause of TBI for children aged 0-4 years old and adults aged 75 years or older, according to the CDC. Older adults are more likely to suffer from a TBI because they are more prone to falls due to age-related factors such as vision problems, muscle weakness, and balance issues. Children are more likely to suffer from a TBI because their brains are still developing and they are less able to control their bodies. If you or someone you know is at risk for falling, there are several things you can do to prevent a fall from happening, such as installing handrails on stairways, removing tripping hazards from your home, and wearing shoes with good traction.
Sports injuries
Another common cause of TBI is a sports injury. According to the CDC, concussions make up 75% of all sports-related TBI. Concussions are a type of TBI that is caused by a bump or blow to the head that results in a change in mental status. This can include symptoms such as headache, nausea, dizziness, confusion, and memory loss. Concussions can be mild, moderate, or severe, and can cause long-term problems if not treated properly. If you think you may have suffered a concussion, it is important to see a doctor right away. There are several things you can do to help reduce your risk of a concussion while playing sports, including wearing protective gear, avoiding contact sports, and knowing the signs and symptoms of a concussion.
Assaults
Assaults are the leading cause of TBI for adults aged 15-44 years old. Assault-related TBI often occurs from a punch or kick to the head, which can result in a concussion or more serious brain injury. If you or someone you know has been the victim of an assault, it is important to seek medical attention right away. There are also several things you can do to prevent an assault from happening, such as being aware of your surroundings, avoiding risky situations, and knowing how to defend yourself.
Other acts of violence
Other acts of violence, such as a stabbing or gunshot wound, can also cause a TBI. These types of injuries often occur from a direct blow to the head and can cause serious brain damage. If you or someone you know has been the victim of an act of violence, it is important to seek medical attention right away. There are also several things you can do to prevent acts of violence from happening, such as being aware of your surroundings, avoiding risky situations, and knowing how to defend yourself.
Medical negligence
Medical negligence is another common cause of TBI. Medical negligence can occur when a doctor or other healthcare professional fails to provide adequate treatment for a TBI, which can result in long-term problems. If you or someone you know has been the victim of medical negligence, it is important to seek legal counsel right away. There are also several things you can do to prevent medical negligence from happening, such as being aware of your rights, getting second opinions, and knowing when to seek legal counsel.
TBI can be caused by a variety of things, including car accidents, falls, sports injuries, assaults, and medical negligence. It is important to know the signs and symptoms of TBI so that you can get help if you or someone you know experiences them. There are several things you can do to prevent TBI from happening, such as wearing a seat belt in a car accident, driving defensively, installing handrails on stairways, and avoiding contact sports. If you or someone you know has been the victim of a TBI-causing event, it is important to seek medical attention right away. In addition, make sure to contact a lawyer so that you can explore your legal options.
