Traumatic Brain Injury in Alabama

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is usually the result of a sudden, violent blow to the head. This sudden, violent blow to the head can be the result of an <a onClick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href=http://www.tilpc.com/accidents.html>automobile accident injury</a>, a fall, a <a onClick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href=http://www.tilpc.com/wd_job_injuries.html>work-related accident</a>, a criminal assault, or a sports-related injury. Falls in young children and senior citizens are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury in these two age groups. While the age group at the highest risk for <a onClick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outgoing/article_exit_link');" href=http://www.tilpc.com/severe_injury.html>traumatic brain injury</a>, are males aged fifteen to twenty-four, because of their involvement in contact sports, and driving cars and motorcycles at high rates of speed.

The severity of the injury to the brain depends somewhat on what part of the brain was affected. A mild traumatic brain injury, also known as a concussion, often causes headache and temporary confusion. A severe traumatic brain injury is often fatal.

Symptoms of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury

A brief period of unconsciousness

Amnesia for events immediately before and after the injury

Headache

Confusion

Dizziness

Blurred vision

Symptoms of Severe Traumatic Brain Injury

Persistent headache

Repeated vomiting

Seizures

Inability to awaken

Weakness of extremities

Loss of coordination

Profound confusion and agitation

Statistics reveal that over one and one half million people suffer traumatic brain injuries in this country annually, with over two hundred thousand hospitalized and fifty thousand deaths.

Taking steps to prevent a traumatic brain injury involves good old fashioned common sense. Always wear your seatbelts when driving or riding in a car and buckle your children in age appropriate safety seats. Wear a helmet when bike riding, or skating, playing football or baseball. Use good judgment when doing chores at home when using a ladder. Try to be prepared for the unexpected by planning ahead because a traumatic brain injury can have wide-ranging effects, physically, emotionally and financially.