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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