FAQs

What are the leading causes of TBI?

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the leading causes of TBI are:

  • · Falls (28%)

  • · Motor vehicle crashes (20%)

  • · Being hit by or colliding with an object (19%)

  • · Assaults (11%)

  • · Others (12%)

Langlois JA, Rutland-Brown W, Thomas KE. Traumatic brain injury in the United States: emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths. Atlanta (GA): Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Nation Center for Injury Prevention and Control; 2004.

While current statistics are difficult to obtain, the incidence of TBI due to falls for people age 65 and older are becoming more common. This is most likely due to the aging of the Baby Boom generation and fewer people in younger age groups.

 

Can TBI be prevented?

Yes. 85% of all TBI’s can be prevented by not engaging in risky behavior and/or wearing a helmet or a seatbelt while engaging in risky behavior. Basically, sobriety and forethought are the best methods of prevention.

 

What are the levels of TBI?

Mild - (often known as “concussion) – The person who sustains this may remain conscious or may experience a loss of consciousness for a few seconds, a few minutes. Typical symptoms may include confusion, memory difficulties, headache and behavioral changes.

Moderate - The person who sustains this injury may be lethargic with their eyes open to stimulation and may lose consciousness for 20 minutes to six hours. There may be some brain swelling or bleeding causing sleepiness, but is still able to be aroused.

Severe - (Coma) A person is typically in a coma state for more than six hours.

 

How many are directly affected by TBI?

It is the leading cause of death and disability for people, ages 1 to 44. Each year about 1.3 million to 2 million individuals sustain a TBI. Approximately 50,000 of those result in death, and approximately 80,000 suffer permanent disabilities. TBI is the leading cause of death & disability in young people and in the elderly who experience falls.

 

What About Treatment?

Help for survivors falls into two general categories. First is acute medical care, which is administered immediately following the injury. In hospitals or other facilities this stage often includes a period of rehabilitation to help the person regain a level of physical and mental functioning.

The second stage may take months or even years, and involves regaining a life that has been altered by brain injury. This stage may be delayed or complicated by the person’s inability to recognize problems that are linked to the original injury. TBI is often perceived to be like any other physical injury, in that there is an assumption that after it heals a person’s life will be as it was before the injury. There is a stigma associated with brain injury. Denial is common and the individual may become very creative in attempting to compensate for his or her limitations.

Following this step, a variety of services may be available.

Family and Individual Counseling – When a family member sustains a TBI, relationships change. Counseling can be essential for all those affected.

Community Reintegration – Helping the injured to live more independently by re-learning vital skills.

Case Management – Coordination of social services and assistance with the challenges of living with TBI.

Therapeutic Recreation - Activities that reduce isolation and depression often associated with TBI.

Pre-vocational Services – Help in preparing for a paid or volunteer position.