What are the Facts Surrounding Brain Injury?
In looking at traumatic brain injury (TBI) beyond causes, symptoms and classifications, gaining a global perspective of the injury can perhaps offer some perspective. At the Brain Injury Law Center of New Mexico in Albuquerque, we work to put information into your hands. Those who suffer from TBI-related symptoms are neither alone nor without resources.
Brain injury not only affects a significant portion of those who suffer personal injuries, it also has an impact on the economy. Further, TBI is often misrepresented due to a lack of public awareness. To find out more information about TBI, please contact the Brain Injury Law Center of New Mexico today.
Brain Injury and Epidemiology
- Approximately 50,000 people die yearly from traumatic brain injury. The Centers for Disease Control (CBC) estimate that 5.3 million Americans live with a TBI-related disability.
- There are estimated to be 1.4 million new brain injuries each year.
- According to the CBC, the most common causes of brain injury include:
- Falls (28%)
- Motor vehicle collisions (20%)
- Injuries sustained by a strike to the head (19%)
- Assaults (11%)
- Bicycle accidents (3%)
- A growing source of TBI stems from blast injuries sustained in military duty.
Economic Costs and Brain Injury
Brain injuries are costly not only to those who suffer them, but also to society at large. In one recent study, medical costs and indirect costs such as loss of productivity cost the United States approximately $60 billion annually.
Traumatic Brain Injury and Other Maladies
Brain injuries are either traumatic, caused by some trauma to the head such as a blow or a rapid acceleration or deceleration of the body. Acquired brain injury may be the result of:
- Strokes
- Pharmaceutical errors
- Anoxia (when oxygen is not delivered to the brain)
- Hypoxia (when decreased oxygen is delivered to the brain)
- Deprivation of oxygen to the brain
- Surgical errors
- Anesthesia
- Cerebral palsy
- Grand mal seizures
- Genetic factors
- Toxic substances (carbon monoxide or lead)
- Meningitis
- Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain, often by viral infection)
- Aneurysm
- Ischemia (blood flow is restricted to the brain)
- Multiple sclerosis
Over the past 30 years, there have been great steps in understanding brain injuries. It is becoming increasingly easier to diagnose brain injuries, and the future looks promising for further developments and treatments. However, the public is largely unaware of the factors that contribute to both traumatic and acquired brain injury. Even less understood is the plight of returning soldiers who have suffered brain injuries in combat.
For more information on brain injury, contact the Brain Injury Law Center of New Mexico today.
