Traumatic Brain Injury Information and Resources

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a type of brain injury that comes not from internal biological phenomena, but from an external injury to the head. Most of us have come into contact with someone who has experienced this type of injury, whether it be a concussion from a sports accident or a coma following a tragic car crash. What most people don’t know, however, is that traumatic brain injury is a real problem in the United States, with 1.7 million people experiencing a traumatic brain injury each year.

Causes of TBI

Traumatic brain injuries are caused by a sudden trauma, like being hit with an object or having an object pierce the skull. TBIs can be grouped into four categories: falls, motor vehicle accidents, being struck by or against an object, or being assaulted. Falls are the leading cause of TBI in the United States, at 35% of all incidents. Children and adults over the age of 65 are much more likely to experience a traumatic brain injury due to a fall than any other group. Car accidents are the next leading cause of TBIs, at 17%. Car accidents are responsible for the most deaths due to traumatic brain injury. 

Effects

The immediate and lasting side effects of a traumatic brain injury can vary greatly with the severity of the injury. Mild TBIs, like concussions, can usually be fully recovered from, with adequate amounts of rest. Most traumatic brain injuries (75%) fall into this category. Some immediate side effects of mild TBIs are sleep disturbances, nausea, difficulty thinking, dizziness, and irritability. People who suspect they are experiencing a concussion should see a doctor right away to prevent any long-term problems.

More severe traumatic brain injuries can cause the injured person to go into a coma. Others who experience severe TBIs may have long-lasting problems with memory and reasoning, communicating, sensing, or with managing emotions. People who have experienced TBIs are at an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other brain diseases.

Preventing a Traumatic Brain Injury

Even though TBIs are not rooted in your body’s biology, there are still some things you can do to decrease your chance of becoming a victim.

  • Always wear a seatbelt
  • Buckle up all children in proper child safety seats
  • Near drive under the influence or get into a car with a driver who is impaired by drugs or alcohol
  • Install child safety features in the home, like window stops
  • Wear a helmet during sports activities

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