Bringing Awareness to a Silent Epidemic

It can happen anywhere, at any age – a fall, auto accident, or sports injury. The result can be a concussion, skull fracture, or bleeding of the brain.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) an estimated 2.5 million children and adults in the U.S. sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year. There are more than five million Americans living with a TBI that has resulted in a permanent need for assistance in daily functioning.

A TBI is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. After an injury, symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, difficulty walking, fatigue, irritability, and memory/focusing problems. Symptoms can last days, weeks, or longer. The severity of the injury ranges from mild (a brief disorientation or loss of consciousness) to severe (an extended loss of consciousness or a penetrating brain injury, like a gunshot wound to the head). Mild TBI is also known as concussion. In general, recovery may be slower for older adults, young children, and teens. In severe cases, a TBI can lead to coma and even death.

Life with this “invisible” injury can be a real challenge. Many who experience a traumatic brain injury will suffer from long-term or permanent effects. It can result in loss of speech, memory problems, inability to concentrate for long periods of time, or mood swings. Many TBI survivors are left with severe behavioral, cognitive, and communicative impairments.

The Brain Injury Association of America recognizes National Brain Injury Awareness Month every March to bring awareness to the needs of brain injury survivors and stress the importance of preventing brain injury. Here are some facts from the Brain Trauma Foundation that reflect the relevance of TBI awareness:

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is the leading cause of death and disability in children and adults from ages 1 to 44.
• Brain injuries are most often caused by motor vehicle crashes, sports injuries, or simple falls on the playground, at work or in the home.
• Every year, approximately 52,000 deaths occur from traumatic brain injury.
• An estimated 1.6 million to 3.8 million sports-related TBIs occur each year.
• Moderate & severe head injury (respectively) is associated with a 2.3 and 4.5 times increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Males are about twice as likely as females to experience a TBI.

Help spread awareness to the needs of brain injury survivors and stress the importance of preventing brain injury. Raising awareness about brain injury helps people prevent, recognize, and respond to brain injury, and results in reduced incidence and better outcomes. Visit the CDC website for facts, prevention, support groups, and more.

Mark Bello is the CEO and General Counsel of Lawsuit Financial Corporation, a pro-justice lawsuit funding company.