Brain Injuries: The Importance of Understanding Long-Term Effects and Potential Risks

Experts estimate nearly 2 million people sustain brain injuries each year. A brain injury or traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious and complex injury that can occur to anyone, at anytime.  Symptoms and complications vary based on the individual affected and the severity of the injury.

Individuals suffering from a traumatic brain injury often experience problems with simple cognitive skills, like concentrating and basic retention.  Executive functions (like keeping track of time and adapting to new situations) may become difficult or even impossible. The individual may also have complications related to their vision and hearing. And recently, experts have linked certain progressive diseases like Alzheimer’s to brain injury. 

Take a few moments to gain a better understanding what behaviors and situations may place you at a heightened risk of sustaining a TBI, and what measures you and your family can take to potentially prevent sustaining a TBI. 

Who is most at risk? : Young children, adolescents, and the elderly.

According to data from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, children 0 to 4, adolescents 15 to 19, and adults age 65 and older are most likely to sustain a TBI. Young children and the elderly have an increased risk of sustaining a TBI partially because both demographics are commonly injured in fall down accidents. 28% of all brain injuries are a result of a fall.

Adolescents who participate in contact sports, like football, often fall victim to brain injuries.  Each year thousands of adolescents are treated for brain injuries that occurred while playing other sports/activities, like baseball, softball, bicycling, and using powered recreational vehicles like go-carts and ATVs.)

20% of all brain injuries are caused by motor vehicle accidents, adolescents are more likely to be hurt or killed in a crash than any other age group.

What can you and your family do to reduce your risk of enduring a traumatic brain injury?

Avoid fall down accidents by paying attention to your surroundings, walking distraction free (i.e. put your cell phone away when you’re in motion), monitoring young children who aren’t sturdy on their feet, and ensuring  your elderly loved ones have proper support mechanisms in place. During the winter months shovel your walkways and place salt when necessary.   If indoor floors are wet or compromised in any way be sure to notify those in the area that the floor may be slippery or dangerous.

Wear protective gear and make sure your children do too, especially those playing contact sports like football and lacrosse. Always wear a helmet and protective gear when biking, horseback riding, and during any and all activities where head protection is suggested.

Drive safely often times innocent people are injured at no fault of their own because other drivers choose to engage in dangerous behaviors like speeding, driving distracted, and failing to abide by traffic laws. Don’t put yourself or others on the road at risk by engaging in any of the behaviors above.  Pledge to drive distraction free today, click here.

To learn more about brain injury or to learn more about  Finkelstein & Partners’ attorney group dedicated to seeking justice for TBI victims, the Neuro Law Trial Group, click here.