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According to various studies, there are approximately one million brain injuries in the United States each year. Of those one million reported brain injuries, approximately 50,000 are fatal and over 20% of the surviving victims suffer permanent disabilities. Furthermore, it is reported that there are over 5 million people in the United States who are permanently disabled as the result of a brain injury.

Brain injuries are the most likely injury to cause permanent injury or death. The leading causes of brain injuries are falls and car accidents and brain injuries most often occur between the ages of 15 and 24.

What is a brain injury?

A traumatic brain injury is defined as a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the function of the brain.

What happens after someone suffers a traumatic brain injury?

Depending on the severity, a person suffering from a traumatic brain injury is likely to experience the following:

• Mild – a brief loss of consciousness followed by headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nervousness and decreased mental speed. Also known as a concussion.
• Moderate cases – a loss of consciousness lasting minutes to hours and a range of physical, cognitive and psychological impairments that should be treated accordingly.
• Severe cases – a loss of consciousness lasting days, weeks or months and permanent physical, cognitive and psychological impairments.

What can therapy do?

While the results of therapy may also depend on the severity of the injury, therapists can provide a wide range of rehabilitative services. Physical therapists work on walking, posture, and balance. Occupational therapists work on the upper extremities (arms and shoulders) and activities of daily living (feeding, dressing and bathing independently). Speech pathologists work language and cognition as well as swallowing disorders.

What now?

No matter how you injured your head, the number one thing to do is seek medical attention as soon as possible. It can literally be the difference between life and death. After that, if you feel that you or a loved one were injured due to someone else’s negligence, please contact us and we will help you find the right attorney for your case. All inquiries are free and confidential.