Traumatic Brain Injuries

The term “traumatic brain injury” or TBI seems explanatory. It is injury to the brain from trauma. Many people are familiar with this term as the injury suffered by football players and boxers from repeated blows to the head. TBI, however, is also a familiar term in car and other accident cases.

TBI is a major cause of death and disability worldwide, especially in children and young adults. According to the CDC, about 1.5 million people sustain a TBI each year in the United States. The CDC called TBI an “invisible epidemic.” This is because the symptoms may not be readily apparent. Some symptoms may not even develop immediately after  the trauma.

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The long-term impairments and disabilities associated with TBI are grave and the full human cost is incalculable. Yet because these disabilities are not readily apparent to the public–unlike a broken leg, for example–TBI is referred to as the invisible epidemic. These disabilities, arising from cognitive, emotional, sensory, and motor impairments, often permanently alter a person’s vocational aspirations and have profound effects on social and family relationships.

TBI Classifications

Brain injuries are classified according to severity – mild, moderate, and severe. A mild TBI is also called a concussion. TBI is generally considered mild if  the symptoms do not become chronic or permanent. Symptoms of a mild TBI include headaches, vomiting, dizziness, lack of coordination, balancing problems, ringing in the ears, and blurred vision. These symptoms could be accompanied by mood or behavioral changes, confusion, as well as memory and concentration problems.

Causes Of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Any blow to the head can cause a traumatic brain injury. So can a jolt to the head or body, such as in shaken baby syndrome. Sudden acceleration and deceleration, such as that can happen in a car crash, can cause brain damage. The Mayo Clinic lists the following as among the common causes:

• Falls. While some people may think slip and falls don’t cause severe injuries, they would be wrong. Blunt trauma occurs frequently from falls. Older individuals are particularly susceptible to suffering a TBI from falls.
• Automobile accidents. According to the CDC, car accidents are one of the the top two causes of TBI in the United States. Blunt trauma can occur in a crash, such as when a person strikes the windshield or is thrown from a car. Sudden acceleration and deceleration can also occur and cause TBI. In our combined 50+ years of experience as Las Vegas car accident attorneys, we’ve seen different severties of TBI resulting from car accidents.
• Violence. Assaults and battery involving guns  is amongst the leading cause of TBI in the United States. This can include suicidal behavior.
• Sports. Besides football, any contact sport, such as boxing and wrestling, can cause a traumatic brain injury.
• Combat.

Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injuries

The brain is one of the most complex organs in the body. It controls cognitive function, voluntary and involuntary movement, among others. Because of the different functions of the brain, symptoms from a TBI can vary and include not only cognitive  and mental dysfunction but also physical impairments.

Symptoms in moderate or severe cases of TBI include persistent headaches, repeated vomiting or nausea, convulsions, slurred speech, difficulty finding words, disordered speech, weakness or numbness in the limbs, loss of coordination, confusion, restlessness, or agitation. Common long-term symptoms include changes in social behavior, deficits in social judgment, and cognitive changes, especially problems with sustained attention, processing speed, and executive functioning. Some have described those with moderate or severe TBI as having changed personalities. Severe cases of TBI can also lead to death.

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