What is a traumatic brain injury?

A: A traumatic brain injury (TBI) results from a traumatic event effecting the head and brain. This results from a direct blow to the head or significant force to the brain as in a sudden acceleration/deceleration. TBI produce symptoms including visual disturbance, confusion, dizziness, headache, tinnitis (ringing of the ear), lack of energy, sleep disturbance, mood instability, attention deficit, difficulty with concentration, and a loss of sense of trust.

What type of accidents cause traumatic brain injury (TBI)?
The National Institute of Health reports half of all traumatic brain injuries,TBI, are caused by car collisions, motorcycle collisions and bicycle accidents. Among older people, falls are the leading cause.

Which age groups are the highest risk  for TBI?
The CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention) reports the two age groups at highest risk for traumatic brain injury are children ages 4 and under and young adults, 15-19 years of age.

What are the long term consequences of traumatic brain injury?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates at least 5.3 million Americans currently have a long-term or lifelong need for help to perform activities of daily living as a result of TBI. According to one study, about 40% of those hospitalized with a TBI had at least one unmet need for services one year after their injury. The most frequent unmet needs were: improving memory and problem solving; managing stress and emotional upset; controlling one’s temper; and improving one’s job skills. TBI can cause a wide range of functional changes affecting thinking, language, learning, emotions, behavior, and/or sensation. It can also cause epilepsy and increase the risk for conditions such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other brain disorders that become more prevalent with age. (CDC/updated 7/06)

To learn more about how a Clearwater personal injury lawyer can assist you with your case, contact us at 727-446-0840.