The Epidemiology of a Traumatic Brain Injury

The Epidemiology of a Traumatic Brain Injury

A large study was published on the causes of traumatic brain injuries. Even though a significant amount of research has been done on TBIs, these are still one of the leading causes of both disability and death in the United States. For those who may not know, a traumatic brain injury has been defined as an impact or blow to the head that alters the structure or function of the brain. One of the most effective ways to treat TBIs is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done. Some of the statistics on traumatic brain injuries that have been published by Brainline include:

• Close to 3 million people in the United States suffer a TBI every year. Out of these individuals, around 50,000 people are killed
• Close to 300,000 people end up in the hospital. The rest visit their doctor or local emergency department, receive treatment, and are discharged home
• Around a third of all deaths in the United States are due to injuries involving TBIs

These numbers show that TBIs are still a major cause of disability and death in the United States. Therefore, it is important to understand where and how traumatic brain injuries develop. This is the goal of this comprehensive research publication.

Watch YouTube Video ~ Understanding Traumatic Brain Injury. Learn about the classifications of a traumatic brain injury (mild, moderate and severe).

The Importance of Epidemiology: Traumatic Brain Injuries

An article published in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry sought to shine a light on the epidemiology of brain injuries. Epidemiology is the study of patterns of incidence, distribution, and control of various injuries and disease processes. Because traumatic injuries as a whole remain one of the leading causes of death across multiple age groups, injury control is important. One of the most devastating injuries is a TBI. Injuries disproportionately affect young people, particularly children, meaning that countless productive years of life are lost. If it all possible, these injuries should be prevented. This starts with recognizing head or brain injuries as a major health concern, identifying the common causes, and preventing them if possible.

The Results of the Study

The researchers analyzed a large trauma database to identify individuals who had suffered a neurological injury. Then, the researchers divided up individuals based on their age. They also sorted the individuals in the database by gender, location, and by the cause of their traumatic brain injury. Some of the important numbers from the study include:

• Overall, males were twice as likely as females to suffer a TBI
• Among children less than 15 years old, falls accounted for about half of all traumatic brain injuries
• Road traffic accidents were responsible for another quarter of TBIs
• About two-thirds of TBIs from auto accidents in children were sustained by pedestrians
• In adults, falls, motor vehicle accidents and assaults were all responsible for about a third of TBIs
• In the elderly, falls were responsible for about 40 percent of all TBIs
• Motor vehicle collisions were responsible for about a quarter of TBIs in the elderly

These numbers show that there isn’t just a single cause of a head or brain injury. While certain causes might be more common among certain age groups or genders, the etiology of a traumatic brain injury is complex. How can these injuries be prevented in the future?

Preventing Traumatic Brain Injuries

One of the most effective methods of treating TBIs is to prevent them from happening in the first place. Some of the tips include:

• Wearing a helmet when riding bicycles, motorcycles, ATVs, skateboards, scooters, etc.
• Individuals should always make sure to look both ways before crossing the street.
• Children should be seated in the rear seat of the car whenever possible.
• If appropriate, children should be in car seats or booster seats.
• Individuals should use caution when walking on a wet floor or icy sidewalk.

Ultimately, despite the noblest of preventative efforts, TBIs can still occur. Where can families turn for assistance if a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury?

Contacting a Brain Injury Lawyer

If a loved one has suffered a severe TBI, they may require emergent treatment. This could include hospitalization in the intensive care unit or surgery. This can create a lot of questions and concerns. During this time, families deserve help. Speaking with a San Francisco TBI lawyer can help a family find access to resources. Some of the ways that an injury attorney can provide assistance include:

• Helping families review records of the accident, clearing up jargon and ensuring that all details are considered
• Making sure that the fault has been properly assigned following the accident
• Assisting families in pursuing damages related to the accident, its injuries, and any complications
• Dealing with the insurance company of a negligent party

Families need to know that they are not alone after a serious accident, particularly one involving a traumatic brain injury. Speak with a San Francisco TBI lawyer today. You and your loved ones may be deserving of a substantial financial settlement.

Traumatic Brain Injury Lawyers in San Francisco