Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury caused by a jolt or blow to the head that damages the brain tissue and disrupts normal brain function. This injury affects over 1.4 million patients a year, aproximately 50,000 of whom will die and over 200,000 of whom will require hospitalization. Though brain injury symptoms range from mild to severe, any injury may have life-long effects that impact both patients and their families. These effects can range from mild concussive symptoms to permanent disability to permanent vegetative state.

What Causes Traumatic Brain Injury?

There are many causes of brain injury. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimate that the leading causes of TBI are as follows:

• Falls (32 percent);
• Motor vehicle accidents (17 percent);
• Struck by/ against events (16.5 percent); and
• Assault (10 percent).

There are many different circumstances that can cause a traumatic brain injury.  For more information, see causes of brain injury.

Who Is At Risk For Traumatic Brain Injury?

There are many risk factors; statistics show that males are at least twice as likely as females to suffer a traumatic brain injury due to a more high risk lifestyle. Rates are also higher among certain professions, such as military duty (read more about brain damage in military duty) and construction. Children ages 0 to 4 and elderly adults aged 65 and up are at increased risk for falling, while teenagers from 16-19 have a higher risk of being involved in an automobile accidsent (Learn more about automobile accidents and brain injuries).

What Are The Consequences of Traumatic Brain Injury?

The consequences of a brain injury range from mild to severe. A patient with a concussion may suffer from temporary disorientation and then recover quickly. Follow this link for additional information on concussions.. However, brain injury can bring about long-term changes and/or impairment to sensation, language, emotion, and thought processes. Victims are at greater risk for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and other brain disorders after their injury. It is also possible to experience long-term cumulative effects of slight brain injuries sustained over a long period of time. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that at least 5.3 million Americans are permanently disabled due to traumatic brain injury.  In 2000, the total cost in terms of productivity and medical costs for these victims was an estimated $60 billion in the United States.

How Can Traumatic Brain Injury Be Prevented?

Using vehicles, firearms, and heavy equipment with caution is the first step in prevention. Proper protective gear should be used when playing sports or performing activities that may carry a risk. In addition, safe living and working conditions can prevent slips, falls, and blunt head injuries, especially for seniors and small children whose gait may be unstable. Suicide prevention is another means of preventing brain injury given that many brain injuries that involve firearms are the result of a scuicide attempt. Visit the following link to read more about prevention.

I've Suffered From TBI - Who Can Help?

If you or a loved one has suffered from brain injury, you must seek medical attention immediately. Some forms of brain injuries are life-threatening, and medical intervention is necessary to prevent permanent disability or death.  After you have sought appropriate medical care, you may also wish to contact an attorney with experience in brain injury litigation. Your lawyer can help assess your potential claim and tell you if you might be eligible for benefits, which may include medical expenses, compensation for lost wages and future medical care, and/or a settlement related to a lawsuit.