Traumatic brain injuries are unfortunately very common in accidents and can be caused by a variety of different sources. Because of this, it is a good idea to have a level of awareness of what can cause TBI’s, how to prevent them, and what to do if you get one.

What are the statistics?

The following are the top causes of traumatic brain injuries by percentage in the United States:

• Falls: 47%
• Struck by an Object: 15%
• Traffic Accident: 14%
• Assaults: 9%
• Unknown Cause: 8%
• Other Causes: 7%

According to the CDC, of the TBI patients who received medical treatment in a recent year:

• 1,320,411 had fallen
• 430,836 were struck by an object
• 383,293 were in traffic accidents
• 255,112 were assaulted
• 217,141 had an unknown cause
• 190,959 got TBI from other causes

In total, that is almost 2.8 million people who needed to get treatment for TBIs in one year.

Traumatic brain injuries can affect victims in various ways depending on the severity of their injury. 2.5 million people were treated in the emergency room, with the patient then being released afterward. 282,000 people needed to be hospitalized because of a TBI. 56,000 people unfortunately died from their injuries.

What do you do if you might have a TBI?

If you suspect that you might have a traumatic brain injury, it is important to know how to proceed. You should go seek medical attention from a doctor if you have the following symptoms:

Cognitive

If you find that you have a loss of concentration, confusion, disorientation, memory loss, or you feel “hazy”, this may be due to a TBI.

Physical

If you experience headaches, pressure in your head, vomiting or nausea, dizziness, balance or coordination issues, or a new sensitivity to noise or light, these are also possible symptoms.

Emotional

If you experience moodiness, irritability, sadness or anxiety, feeling apathetic, or if you feel “down” or “off”, these may be symptoms of a traumatic brain injury.

Sleep Issues

If you feel overly fatigued, or you are feeling abnormally awake and have trouble falling asleep, this is yet another possible symptom of a TBI.

If you experience any of these symptoms, or if you feel anything unusual at all, it is a good idea to see your doctor or visit the emergency room. It’s better safe than sorry when it comes to your health.

Avoiding a TBI

There are quite a few ways to help prevent accidents that result in traumatic brain injuries, which could protect you and others around you.

Fall prevention

Make sure that you have proper safety equipment when working in high places. Also be sure to pay attention to where you are stepping so as to avoid potential obstacles. Always use caution when floors are slippery or wet. If you are at an older age, try to seek help when moving around, especially if you know you have poor balance.

Prevent getting struck by objects

It is beneficial to be aware of your surroundings and possible hazards that may exist around you. It is safer to wear hard hats or helmets on the job to protect your head from injury. Try to avoid walking near construction sites or other work sites where hazards may be common.

Traffic accident prevention

Traffic accidents are very common but fortunately are avoidable if you implement defensive driving techniques that can protect you and other people on the road. This would include following all traffic laws and traffic signals. These are put in place for a reason, to protect drivers. It is also helpful to always stay aware of the actions of other drivers. Give erratic and aggressive drivers plenty of space so they can’t harm you. Use bike lanes whenever possible and don’t lane split or engage in other risky behaviors on a motorcycle. Use crosswalks and don’t jaywalk. Try to make yourself visible to other drivers whenever it’s dark outside, by wearing reflective clothing or using a light on your bike. Try not to drive aggressively, it puts yourself and other drivers in unnecessary danger. Never under any circumstances drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Do not text and drive or take calls while driving. Whatever it is, it can wait until after you’ve arrived at your destination. If you follow these simple guidelines, your chances of getting into an accident and potentially getting a TBI will go down exponentially.

Prevent assaults

Some instances of assault may be out of your control depending on the circumstances, but it is smart to avoid any physical confrontation that could lead to injuries like TBIs. One way of accomplishing this is to avoid walking alone after dark, especially if you’re a woman. It is an unfortunate reality that walking around at night can invite violence. Therefore, it is safer to remain inside when it’s dark and take walks during the daytime. Avoid any altercations. Most altercations don’t have positive results anyway. It is better to use your words instead. Try to remain aware of whether or not places you are in have adequate security. If your car is parked in a potentially dangerous place, give a friend or family member a call and talk to them while you walk to discourage anyone from trying to attack you. A good sense of spatial awareness can protect you and others from being stuck in an unsafe situation.

Other safety tips

Some TBIs can happen right at home. If you ensure that your home is as safe as possible, there will be less of a chance of you or anyone else getting hurt. To do this, make sure your home is free of any hazards that could lead to injury. Inspect railings and staircases regularly to ensure that no one slips and falls. Also, try to have proper footwear when you’re walking around your house. This can protect you from slipping and falling.

Always be aware of your surroundings so that any accidents are less likely to occur. Use defensive driving skills to prevent getting a TBI on the road. Avoid altercations that could result in a traumatic brain injury and make sure your living space is free of potential hazards. If you do have any of the possible symptoms listed, be sure to seek medical care. TBIs are serious injuries, but you can prevent them if you use proper caution.

Have you had a traumatic brain injury that was the fault of someone else?

If you have had a TBI due to the negligence of someone else, call an experienced attorney, like the law firm of Attorney Dean Boyd. Our Team has the knowledge and skills to get you the compensation you deserve. You can reach us at (806) 242-3333 or Contact Us by email.