If you have questions about traumatic brain injury (TBI), you are apparently in good company. “What is a TBI?” was the fourth-most-asked medical question on Google in 2016.
It’s no surprise that TBI has been raising a lot of questions lately. During 2016, we saw major news stories relating to traumatic brain injuries in both the NFL and the WWE. A man suffering from a traumatic brain injury was shot by police in North Carolina. Americans had many reasons to take note of the serious consequences of a TBI last year.
The Reality of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
But, for millions of Americans, traumatic brain injury is more than a new concept cropping up in the news—it’s a day-to-day reality that can impact everything from quality of life to ability to work.
Some of the most common effects of TBI include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Severe headache
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Cognitive impairment
- Agitation
- Seizures
- Speech Impairment
- Hearing or vision loss
Recently, a Canadian study revealed that traumatic brain injury also interrupts healthy sleep patterns, which can lead to a variety of other health complications.
The long-term impact of TBI varies significantly. Some patients recover fully, while others have limited long-term effects. Some suffer lifelong limitations on their ability to work, experience personality changes and memory problems or struggle with other long-term physical, cognitive and emotional effects of the injury.
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Traumatic Brain Injury is More Common than You Think
According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), about 1.7 million Americans sustain traumatic brain injuries each year. While the majority of those injury victims are treated and released at hospitals, more than 50,000 die each year and another 275,000 are hospitalized.
The most common cause of TBI in the United States is falls. This includes a wide range of accident types, from slipping on ice to construction accidents to simple household spills. The next most common cause is motor vehicle accidents, including both car and truck accidents and motorcycle accidents. Motorcyclists are especially vulnerable to head injuries because they are largely unprotected in a collision.
In addition to these challenges, victims of traumatic brain injuries often face large medical expenses, frequently coupled with a loss of or limitation on income. The medical costs and necessary modifications vary widely from case to case. However, treating and managing a TBI can be very expensive. For example, rehabilitation costs for the average TBI victim who requires rehabilitation services average more than $195,000 in the first year.
If You’ve Suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury, Get the Help You Need
Facing a serious injury, especially one that may have impacted your thought processes as well as your physical well-being, is difficult and stressful. There’s no reason to face the challenges ahead on your own. Talking with a personal injury attorney who is experienced in traumatic brain injury cases can alleviate the pressure and give you the peace of mind that comes with having an experienced advocate on your side.
It’s easy to take the first step. All you have to do is fill out our contact form or pick up the phone and call 1-212-540-2987. We’ll schedule a free consultation so you can learn more about your rights and how we can help you move forward.
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