About Traumatic Brain Injury

According to the CDC, there are at least 1.5 million cases of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) and concussions each year in the US, with children and young adults comprising a large percentage. Home falls (especially in the bathroom) are a major cause of head injuries among older adults.

The leading causes of concussions and brain injuries are:
– Falls (35.2%)
– Motor vehicle-traffic crashes (17.3%)
– Struck by/against events (16.5%)
– Assaults (10%)

Overview of major brain areas:

Injuries of the left side of the brain can cause:

  • Difficulties in understanding language (receptive language)
  • Difficulties in speaking or verbal output (expressive language)
  • Verbal memory deficits
  • Impaired logic
  • Sequencing & cognitive processing difficulties
  • Decreased control over right-sided body movements

Injuries of the right side of the brain can cause:

  • Visual-spatial impairment
  • Visual memory deficits
  • Decreased awareness of deficits
  • Altered creativity and music perception
  • Decreased control over left-sided body movements

Diffuse Brain Injury (injuries are scattered throughout both sides of the brain) can cause:

  • Reduced thinking speed
  • Confusion
  • Reduced attention and concentration
  • Fatigue
  • Impaired cognitive (thinking) skills in all areas

Reduce your chances of brain injury:
– wear a helmet in cycling & motorbike/ATV activities,
– wear a seatbelt, and
– put a non-skid mat or surface in bathrooms and showers/bathtubs.

See Also – Sports Concussions Signs and Symptoms


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