Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are prevalent in New Jersey and across the country. These injuries have been called a “silent epidemic” due to the fact that many people cannot recognize the signs and symptoms of TBI. As a result, TBI may go undetected and untreated.
It is important to know that even a minor concussion or blow to the head can cause serious brain damage and lead to life-long complications. If you or a loved suffers any type of blow to the head – whether due to a fall, sport or recreation activity or car accident – you should seek medical attention right away.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classifies TBI as one of the leading causes of disability and death in the U.S. An estimated 30 percent of all injury-related deaths are associated with TBI, the CDC reports.
In addition, the rates of TBI-related emergency department (ED) visits increased by 70 percent between 2001 and 2010. The rate of ED visits which resulted in a diagnosis of a sports-related concussion or TBI to a child under the age of 19 also rose during the same time period – by 57 percent. During a recent one-year period, more than 248,000 children under the age of 19 were treated in EDs for sports and recreation-related injuries.
Those individuals who survive a TBI can have symptoms lasting for days, weeks, months and even years. In some instances, the effects of a TBI can be life-long.
What to Do If You or a Loved One Is Believed to Be Suffering from a TBI
If you experience any of the following symptoms or signs, or if you believe your loved one is suffering from a TBI, medical attention should be sought at once:
For More Information
- Traumatic Brain Injury in the United States: Fact Sheet, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Mild Traumatic Brain Injury/Concussion, CDC
- New Data Shows 3.5 Million People Sustain a TBI Each Year, Brain Injury Association of America
- Youth Sports Injuries Statistics, STOP Sports Injuries
- What We Do, Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey
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