A Blow to the Head: Traumatic Brain Injuries at a Glance

Thursday, August 2, 2012

A Blow to the Head: Traumatic Brain Injuries at a Glance

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

A blow to the head leads to at least 1.4 million traumatic brain injuries each year in the U.S. Signs and symptoms of a traumatic brain injury or TBI can include: chronic neck pain, headaches, confusion, dizziness, memory loss, difficulty focusing or concentrating, extreme grogginess, fatigue, loss of balance, nausea, blurred vision, ringing in the head, sleeping too much or too little, loss of at least one of the five senses, seizures, aphasia (problems understanding and expressing language), loss of motor control or movement, uncontrollable jerking or twitching, and/or dysphasia (not being able to swallow or chew correctly). While some of these symptoms rarely occur, it is important to be able to identify them all and get treatment immediately.

 

There are many causes of TBI – car accidents, firearms, blows to the head, and falls are the most common causes. Because TBI cannot be cured, prevention is the best approach.  According to the CDC, their are some groups of people at heightened risk of receiving a traumatic brain injury:

  • Approximately 18% of all TBI related emergency department visits involved children aged 0 to 4 years.
  • Approximately 22% of all TBI related hospitalizations involved adults aged 75 years and older.
  • Males are more often diagnosed with a TBI (59% of traumatic brain injuries).

TBI Prevention Methods:

  • Always wear a seatbelt in a motor vehicle
  • Use an appropriate child safety seat or a booster
  • Never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Always wear a helmet to prevent a blow to the head when on a bicycle, motorcycle, scooter, snowmobile, in contact sports, horseback riding, skiing, snowboarding, skating and skateboarding

Fall Prevention Methods:

  • Use the rails on stairways
  • Provide adequate lighting, especially on stairs for people with poor vision or who have difficulty walking
  • Place bars or safety locks on windows to prevent children from falling and receiving a blow to the head
  • Do not leave obstacles on stairways or in walking pathways

Gun Safety:

  • Keep guns locked in a cabinet and out of reach of children
  • Store guns unloaded and apart from ammunition

 

There are many different kinds of treatments available for patients suffering from a TBI:

  • Initial Treatment stabilizes the individual immediately following the initial injury
  • Rehabilitative Care Center Treatment helps restore the patient to daily life
  • Acute Treatment of a Traumatic Brain Injury is aimed at minimizing secondary injury and life support
  • Surgical Treatment may be used to prevent secondary injury by helping to maintain blood flow and oxygen to the brain and minimize swelling and pressure

Traumatic brain injuries are complex and can manifest themselves with an array of symptoms and disabilities. The impact on an individual and their loved ones can be devastating. The Malman Law is a law firm committed to helping personal injury victims. If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury, request a Free Case Evaluation today.

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Steve Malman

Malman Law’s founder Attorney Steven Malman has over 30 years of experience handling personal injury, nursing home, medical malpractice, truck accidents, car accidents, premises liability, construction, and workers’ compensation cases in Chicago, IL.

Years of experience: +30 years
Illinois Registration Status: Active and authorized to practice law—Last Registered Year: 2024

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