The three words “traumatic brain injury” makes it sound like a rare occurrence, one that would be extremely easy to detect. However, traumatic brain injury is much more common and can be very elusive. Approximately 1.7 million Americans per year suffer from some form of traumatic brain injury each year according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
A mild form of TBI, the concussion, is still a serious injury which is the gateway to several debilitating symptoms such as headaches, future hearing problems, loss of self-control, changes in mood or behavior, ringing in the ears, insomnia and memory loss. It can take months and even years to recover from the slightest form of traumatic brain injury.
The human brain is protected by a very thin layer of fluid between it and the skeletal bone known as the head. Even a slight but sudden amount of force can cause severe trauma to the fragile but undeniably vital organ. As mild forms of TBI can go unnoticed, it is important to visit a doctor after any trauma to the brain.
The most inexpensive way to prevent chronic TBI is to make sure to rest after any mild trauma to the head. However, for a more severe injury medication, consistent rehabilitation therapy or the use of hyperbaric oxygen chambers may be required.
Treatment alone can be stressful, expensive and debilitating to a family whose member suffers from TBI. Wages lost while going through treatment only complicate the situation. Incidents of TBI often occur on the jobsite and victims can be compensated for an injury suffered while at work.
Source: NPR “Fact Sheet: Traumatic Brain Injury” 9/8/10