The Facts About Traumatic Brain Injuries
Were you aware that March is Brain Injury Awareness Month? Each year, the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) and its chartered state affiliates throughout the United States partner with other organizations, businesses, schools, survivors and their families, and others to generate awareness and understanding of brain injury.
Millions of people in this country provide care for an older adult—a parent, grandparent, other family member, or a close friend. For most caregivers, the older adult’s health is the primary concern. One way to help older adults live better lives and remain independent is by learning more about traumatic brain injury (TBI) and how to prevent it. This month, CareFocus Companion Services would like to help support BIAA’s efforts to create awareness by providing you with some key facts about traumatic brain injuries.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a TBI is caused by a blow or shock to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. The severity of a TBI may range from a mild, temporary change in mental status or consciousness, such as a concussion, to a more severe extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia.
Acquiring or sustaining a TBI can be devastating to an individual, their family, and loved ones. When these types of injuries occur, it can change everything about a person and the way they live their lives in a matter of seconds. It affects who a person is, the way they think, act, and feel. These changes can be temporary or permanent, and may cause impairment or a complete inability to perform and function. TBIs contribute to a substantial number of deaths and cases of permanent disability annually.
The Facts:
Of the 1.4 million who sustain a TBI each year in the United States1:
- 50,000 die
- 235,000 are hospitalized
- 1.1 million are treated and released from an emergency department
The leading causes of TBI are2:
- Falls (28%)
- Motor vehicle-traffic crashes (20%)
- Struck by/against events (19%)
- Assaults (11%)
People 75 years of age and older have the highest rates of TBI-related hospitalizations and death3
Family members and other caregivers of older adults can help protect their loved ones’ health and independence by:
- Reducing their risk for falls
- Recognizing signs of TBI after a fall occurs
- Taking appropriate steps when signs of TBI are observed
Seek medical attention immediately- a healthcare professional will be able to determine how serious the injury is and the level of necessary care
If you or a loved one is faced with a longer term disability as a result of a traumatic brain injury, CareFocus Companion Services can help. Contact your local CareFocus Companion Services office today to learn more.
The information contained within this article is not meant as a substitute for professional medical advice and consultation. When differences exist between the information here and information given to you by your healthcare provider(s), you should follow the advice of your healthcare provider(s). Any additional information or clarification needed should be sought from the Physician, Practitioner, Speech Pathologist, or Nutritionist who is familiar with the individual’s health and medical conditions.
1 Langlois JA, Rutland-Brown W, Thomas KE. Traumatic brain injury in the United States: emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths. Atlanta (GA): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control; 2004.
2 Langlois JA, Rutland-Brown W, Thomas KE. Traumatic brain injury in the United States: emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths. Atlanta (GA): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control; 2004.