Causes and risks of traumatic brain injury: What you should know
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can be caused by anything from a simple fall to a major car accident. In fact, falls attribute to most TBIs that occur, especially for people 75 years of age or older. While this particular demographic often winds up in the hospital after suffering a TBI induced by a fall, the truth is that anyone of any age can suffer from a traumatic brain injury.
The medical field divides brain injuries into three different classifications. These are mild, moderate and severe. A doctor will determine the severity of a brain injury based the specific circumstances surrounding each patient. For example, if an individual loses consciousness for an extended amount of time or has other symptoms that the doctor considers severe, then the attending physician might classify the injury as severe. However, if the patient does not lose consciousness and only has a slight concussion, a doctor might declare the injury mild. Read below to learn about the causes and risks of TBIs.
Falling
When a person falls, it is not uncommon for his or her head to come into contact with a hard surface. Even a slight impact with pavement, concrete or some other unyielding surface can result in a TBI. For young children or the elderly, such an accident can have lasting affects in terms of cognitive function. For example, a person with even a mild TBI can become disoriented, forget how to accomplish routine tasks or have problems speaking.
Motor vehicle accidents
Vehicle accidents are also at the top of the list of causes of TBIs. Unfortunately, taking the usual precautions of always wearing your seat belt and obeying traffic laws may not keep you from suffering a TBI if you are involved in a car accident in Bellville. Even a fender-bender that does seem to cause much damage to your car can result in a brain injury. In fact, it really does not take too much force at all for a TBI to occur.
Sports accidents
Any sport where there is a high chance of taking a hit to the head is a risk. As you have seen on the news, even a helmet is not enough to protect football players from brain trauma. This is not to say that you should not wear a helmet the next time you go for a bike ride. On the contrary, if you are going to engage in any activity where there is even a slight possibility of a brain injury, you should always wear the necessary protective gear. A good helmet can be the difference between a mild concussion and a coma.
If you or a loved one has suffered a TBI due to another individual’s negligent actions, such as a reckless driver, you may be able to take legal action. Your attorney can help you take the necessary steps to fight for the compensation you deserve.