Happy November from your friends at the GoLaw Legal Network. We are Thankful for our Health & Safety, and for the chance to have you as a “digital friend” on our social networks. Thanks to GoPersonalInjury.com for sending us this month’s Safety Blog on TBI: Traumatic Brain Injury.
TBI: Traumatic Brain Injury
Many people are not aware that a motor vehicle collision can be a violent injury causing event, inflicting intense “G Forces” on the bodies of the occupants. These G-Forces, an effect of the acceleration of gravity at the earth’s surface, can in some cases cause TBI: traumatic brain injury.
WHAT IS A TBI?
According to BrainLine.org and BrainInjury101.org, A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can be defined as a blow or jolt to the head, or a penetrating head injury, that disrupts the function of the brain. Not all blows or jolts to the head result in a TBI, and the severity of such an injury may range from ‘mild’ (a brief change in mental status or consciousness) to ‘severe’ (an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia) after the injury. A TBI can result in short or long-term problems with independent function.
TBI FACTS:
- A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) occurs approximately every 15 seconds.
- Nearly five million Americans currently suffer some form of TBI disability.
- Of the 1.7 million who sustain a TBI in the U.S. each year:
- 52,000 die
- 275,000 are hospitalized
- 1.365 million are treated and released from an emergency department
- In the United States, TBI is a leading cause of death for people under the age of 45.
- The Human Brain is perhaps the most complex object on earth, yet is soft and vulnerable with the consistency of a firm pudding.
- The leading causes of TBI are Motor Vehicle Accidents, Falls, and Sports Injuries.
TBI EFFECTS:
Physical symptoms of brain injury include:
- headaches
- difficulty coordinating balance
- blurred vision in one or both eyes
- milder vision problems
- seizures
- changes in sensory perception
- trouble speaking and swallowing
- changes in sleep patterns
- lack of bowel and bladder control
- changes in sexual function
- motor impairment (trouble moving body normally)
Functional/Emotional Changes:
- personality changes
- difficulty forming sentences or choosing vocabulary
- confusion
- trouble communicating
- difficulty with reason, focus and logic
- memory impairments
- depression
- poor concentration
- mood swings
- limited attention span
- disorientation
- difficulty remembering conversations/forgetfulness
- acting inappropriately
To adapt to these changes, it will help you and your loved one if you develop coping skills and find and use supportive resources.
GoLaw.com associated attorneys have many years experience in getting valuable settlements and awards for persons injured in many different types of injury causing events and accidents including bike accidents, car collisions, motorcycle wrecks, big rig truck crashes, and train collisions.
The Law offices of Mark A Doughty can be reached by calling 530-674-1440. Mark A Doughty has been practicing law in California since 1979. He has served the people of northern California and represented them without a fee (in accident cases) unless he recovers for them. For more information, please see http://GoLaw.com.
