Post-concussion Syndrome and TBI

If you watch football, you have heard of “Post-concussion syndrome” – a common result of traumatic brain injury (TBI) following a concussion.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), defines TBI as a “bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth.”
TBI can range from mild to severe. Concussions are considered a mild form of TBI.  CDC statistics show that falls account for 48 percent of all TBI-related injuries, disproportionately affecting children (0-17) and older adults (over 65). Being struck by or against an object is the second leading cause of TBI. In 2014, this accounted for 28 percent of TBI-related Emergency Room visits in children less than 17 years old.  The next leading cause of TBI (and second leading cause of TBI-related hospitalizations) is car accidents.
Statistics gathered by the CDC show that in 2014 about 2.87 million people either visited the Emergency Room, were hospitalized or died from injuries that included TBI. Those who survive a TBI face effects that last a few days or the rest of their lives. Such effects can include “impaired thinking or memory, impaired movement, impaired vision or hearing, personality changes, and/or depression.” These issues can severely affect both the victim and the victims’ families.
How to prevent or protect against TBI? Wear a seat belt every time you drive or ride in a car.  Wear a helmet, or appropriate headgear, when riding a bike, motorcycle, snowmobile, scooter, playing contact sports (football, ice hockey, boxing), batting and running bases in baseball or softball, riding a horse, skiing or snowboarding.
We have seen the unfortunate effects of TBI injuries in our clients and can help you or a loved one in need.”