TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURIES

Definition 
A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is an injury that affects how the brain works. It may be caused by a bump, blow, jolt, or penetrating injury to the head caused by a:
• Fall
• Firearm-related injury
• Motor vehicle crash
• Assault

Statistics
According to the most recent statistics from the Center for Disease Control, there were approximately 214,110 TBI-related hospitalizations in 2020 and 69,473 TBI-related deaths in 2021. 1 This represents more than 586 TBI-related hospitalizations and 190 TBI-related deaths per day.

Mild TBI/Concussions
A Mild TBI, also known as a concussion affects brain function usually caused by a blow to the head. Effects are often short term and can include:
• Headaches
• Trouble with concentration
• Trouble with memory
• Trouble with balance
• Trouble with mood
• Insomnia

Physical symptoms of a concussion may include:
• Ringing in the ears
• Nausea or vomiting
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Blurry vision
• Slurred speech
• Sensitivity to light and/or noise

Most people recover fully after a concussion. The symptoms of a concussion can be subtle and may not occur right away. Symptoms can last for days, weeks or even longer.

Moderate and severe TBIs
Moderate and severe TBIs may lead to long-term or life-long health problems that may affect all aspects of a person’s life. A person with a moderate or severe TBI may need ongoing care to help with their recovery. A moderate or severe TBI not only impacts the life of an individual and their family.

A TBI, as the name implies, is traumatic. It can take several months or longer to fully recover. Unfortunately, some people never return to their previous level of functioning after a moderate to severe TBI. It’s important to get the support you need during your recovery phase and to not try to rush the process.   

FOR AN EVALUATION OF YOUR CLIENT’S MATTER, PLEASE CONTACT ME.

Marcia L. Bell, RN, BSN, CAPA, CLNC
Bell Legal Nurse Consulting
410-660-7025