About Traumatic Brain Injury

What is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

A TBI is:

• A disruption of normal brain function caused by trauma
• People may experience
• Loss of consciousness
• Amnesia – retrograde (after the impact) and/or anterograde (before the impact)Confusion
• Trouble speaking or moving

Traumatic brain injury is categorized as mild (concussion), moderate or severe.

Causes of TBI include:

• A blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating object
• A rapid acceleration or deceleration of the head, which can force the brain to move back and forth inside the skull

The leading cause of TBI is falls, followed by motor vehicle crashes (car, motorcycle, ATV, etc.), being struck by or falling against an object, and assault.

Incidence of TBI

In the United States:

• 1.4 million estimated TBI each year
• 1.1 million treated & released from an Emergency Department
• 235,000 hospitalized
• 50,000 deaths
• 75% Mild TBI
• 5.3 million living with long term deficits (2% of the US population)
• Direct & indirect costs of $60 billion
• 10-20% of Iraq war veterans have a TBI (source CDC & BTF)

Prevention

The only known cure for brain injury is prevention!!

• Always make sure everyone in the car is buckled up
• Never shake an infant or child
• Always wearing a protective helmet during recreational activities
• Don't drink and drive
• Seek medical attention if you're dazed or have lost consciousness during a sports/recreational activity

Always wear a helmet when riding a bicycle, motorcycle, rollerblades, skateboard, snowboard, ATV, skis or anything other than your own two feet!