National Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month
March is National Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month. Geo Psychological Testing has compiled a list of surprising statistics about traumatic brain injuries:
1.7 million people suffer a traumatic brain injury in the United States
Anyone can have a traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, TBI is most common in two age groups. Of the almost 2 million people with TBI, many are between the ages of 15 and 19 or over the age of 65.
TBI can be attributed to falls, car accidents, violence, sports, or combat. Teenagers are more prone to TBI due to their involvement in sports. Meanwhile, the elderly are prone to TBI due to poor equilibrium.
80% of traumatic brain injuries are classified as “mild head injuries”
You’re probably wondering: if the majority of cases are “mild”, what’s so “traumatic” about TBI? Even mild cases of TBI can result in debilitating symptoms, such as headaches, vertigo, seizures, and nerve damage. Some patients may only experience these symptoms for a matter of weeks, while others suffer for months or years. Long-term symptoms are often referred to as persistent post-concussive symptoms.
Meanwhile, 20% of TBIs result in death or put patients in a coma, vegetative state, or total brain death.
75% of TBIs every year are concussions
Concussions are the most common type of TBI. However, there are many other types, including penetrating brain injuries, anoxic brain injuries and contusions, and diffuse anoxal injuries.
Penetrating brain injuries occur when an object has penetrated the skull to enter the brain, resulting in swelling, bleeding, clotting, stroke, and more.
Anoxic brain injuries occur when there is a lack of oxygen to the brain, which results in cell death. Contusions occur when the brain strikes the skull, causing bruising and bleeding.
Diffuse anoxal injuries occur when the brain shifts in the skull, causing torn fibers. This type of injury is severe compared to other types.
Untreated TBI can be detrimental to your health — which is why it’s so important we bring awareness to these conditions. If you’ve been injured and are experiencing unpleasant or debilitating symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
At Geo Psychological Testing, brain health is our specialty! We specialize in a wide variety of psychological evaluations and testing. Contact us for more information.
Sources Include:
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers