Traumatic Brain Injury In America

Each year in the United States, approximately 1.5 million Americans sustain traumatic brain injuries (TBI’s), ranging from mild to severe. Over 50,000 people die each year from TBI’s. And 230,000 people are hospitalized due to TBI’s and survive.

More than 1 million patients are treated in emergency departments for TBI’s every year. According to the CDC, an estimated $56 billion is spent in direct and indirect costs as a result of all TBIs. Importantly, about 90,000 Americans experience onset of long-term disability from TBI’s.

Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI)

Mild traumatic brain injury (MTBI), commonly known as concussion, is one of the most common neurological disorders. Getting the correct treatment and proper treatment depends on a proper diagnosis. Too often, key signs are either not reported to treating physicians or they are missed. Either way, folks with brain injury don’t receive proper treatment.

Early treatment and appropriate referral can and do improve patient outcomes. Whenever MTBI is suspected it is so important to get treatment as soon as possible.

Early MTBI symptoms may appear mild

Early MTBI symptoms may appear mild, but they can lead to significant, life-long disability and impairment. This may affect a person’s ability to function physically, cognitively, and psychologically. Appropriate diagnosis referral are critical for helping TBI patients achieve the best recovery. Patient and family education also play a vital role. Early treatment may reduce or avoid significant additional medical issues which may arise from MTBI.

MTBI’s cost the USA nearly $17 billion each year. Many, many injured workers who sustain MTBI remain undiagnosed and untreated. For those workers who are diagnosed with MTBI, a very significant percentage experience residual disabling problems. Including:

• Cognitive problems,
• Memory problems,
• Confusion,
• Pain,
• Fatigue,
• Persistent headache,
• Changes in sleep patterns,
• Mood changes,
• Sensory problems such as changes in vision or hearing (post-concussion syndrome).
• Emotional Problems,
• Relationship problems, and
• Associated / situational depression.

If you or a family member is suspected of having a traumatic brain injury that is work related, it is vital for you to both be an advocate and hire the right work injury lawyer to advocate for you or your family member.

If you have suffered a brain injury, oftentimes you are unable to be an effective advocate for yourself. You probably need help. The cost of doing nothing or being overwhelmed by the system is too great. The sooner proper treatment is received, the more chance there is for a more favorable outcome.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a type of injury that occurs when an external force traumatically injures the brain. This force can result from various incidents, such as a blow to the head, a fall, a car accident, or an explosive blast. TBIs can range from mild to severe, and they can have a significant impact on an individual’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functions.

Here are some key points related to Traumatic Brain Injury:

Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries:

1. Concussion:
   • Mild form of TBI.
   • Temporary disruption of brain function.
   • Often associated with a brief loss of consciousness.
2. Contusion:
   • Bruising of the brain tissue.
   • Can result from a direct impact to the head.
3. Penetration Injury:
   • Caused by an object penetrating the skull and entering the brain.

Common Causes:

1. Falls:
   • Especially common among the elderly and young children.
2. Car Accidents:
   • Motor vehicle accidents can result in head injuries.
3. Sports Injuries:
   • Contact sports can lead to concussions.
4. Violence:
   • Assaults or gunshot wounds can cause TBIs.
5. Military Service:
   • Blast injuries are common in military settings.

Symptoms:

1. Mild TBI:
   • Headache, confusion, dizziness, nausea.
2. Moderate to Severe TBI:
   • Loss of consciousness, memory loss, cognitive impairments.

Long-Term Effects:

1. Cognitive Issues:
   • Memory problems, difficulty concentrating.
2. Emotional and Behavioral Changes:
   • Mood swings, irritability, depression.
3. Physical Impairments:
   • Motor coordination issues, speech problems.

Work-related Considerations:

1. Return to Work:
   • Individuals with TBI may need workplace accommodations.
2. Accommodations:
   • Modified work hours, changes in responsibilities, or assistive technology.
3. Employer Awareness:
   • Employers should be informed about the employee’s condition for proper support.
4. Legal Protections:
   • In many countries, there are legal protections for employees with disabilities, including those resulting from TBIs.

Rehabilitation:

1. Physical Therapy:
   • Helps with motor skills and coordination.
2. Occupational Therapy:
   • Focuses on daily living activities.
3. Speech Therapy:
   • Addresses communication and swallowing issues.
4. Counseling:
   • Provides emotional support.

Prevention:

1. Safety Measures:
   • Wearing helmets, using seat belts, and following safety guidelines.
2. Education:
   • Promoting awareness about the risks and consequences of TBIs.

If you have specific questions or concerns about traumatic brain injuries, workplace accommodations, or any related topic, feel free to provide more details for a more targeted response.

Legal Notice per Rules of Professional Responsibility: The Rhode Island Supreme Court licenses all lawyers and attorneys in the general practice of law, but does not license or certify any lawyer / attorney as an expert or specialist in any field of practice. While this firm maintains joint responsibility, most cases of this type are referred to other attorneys for principle responsibility.