What is a TBI?
A TBI is caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head that disrupts the normal function of the brain. Not all blows to the head result in a TBI. The severity of a TBI may range from mild, causing only a brief change in mental status or consciousness, to severe, resulting in an extended period of unconsciousness or memory loss after the injury.
What causes TBIs?
- Falls are the leading cause of TBIs in the United States
- Being struck by/against an object or person- the second leading cause of TBIs includes sports injuries.
- Traffic accidents are the third leading cause with the highest incidence of death
- Assault injuries are the fourth leading cause
How big is the problem?
In 2014, about 2.87 million TBI-related emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and deaths occurred in the United States. Over 837,000 of these health events were among children. TBI contributed to the deaths of 56,800 people, including 2,529 deaths of children.
Intentional self-harm was the leading cause of TBI-related deaths (33%) in 2014.
A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) often leads to life-long disabilities that have a dramatic effect on the survivor's mobility, mental capacity, and personal relationships. Disabilities can derail a TBI survivor's career, and quality of life. Depression and withdrawal are common responses.
That is why it is so important to understand this disability–to help TBI survivors to cope with the changes in their abilities and lead fulfilling lives.
Creating awareness of this silent epidemic is essential to helping survivors cope in everyday life.
- Data from Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States
