March is brain injury Awareness Month

Brain injuries are life-altering and can happen to anyone, affecting not only the injured, but those close to them. According to the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA), more than 2.5 million Americans sustain a brain injury each year. To aid in its mission of advancing brain injury prevention, research, treatment and education, and improving the quality of healthcare the injured receive, the BIAA has designated March as Brain Injury Awareness Month.

Additionally, the Congressional Brain Injury Task Force (CBITF) has determined that this year Brain Injury Awareness Day will be held on March 18, 2015.

WHAT IS A BRAIN INJURY?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when the head is struck with enough force to cause brain dysfunction. Although insurance companies try to classify brain injury as an “event” that requires little or no ongoing care after the initial treatment, the World Health Organization (WHO) considers it a neurological disorder.
According to WHO, “Traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of death and disability in children and young adults around the world and is involved in nearly half of all trauma deaths. Many years of productive life are lost, and many people have to suffer years of disability after brain injury. In addition, it engenders great economic costs for individuals, families and society.”

Symptoms include:

Headaches
Shaking, irritability
Personality changes
Fear
Memory problems
Seizures
Muscle tremors
Chronic headache pain
Depression
Loss of motor abilities

WHAT CAUSES A BRAIN INJURY?

According to the Mayo Clinic a person can sustain a brain injury from any of the following:
Falls are the most common cause of brain injury especially in children and older adults. Common locations are showers/bathtubs, beds, ladders and stairs.
Vehicle-related collisions (including cars, bicycles, motorcycles and pedestrians).
Violence is the cause of roughly 20% of traumatic brain injuries and occurs due to gunshot wounds, domestic violence and child abuse.
Sports injuries such as soccer, boxing, football, baseball, lacrosse, skateboarding, hockey and other high-impact, extreme sports
Explosive blasts and other combat injuries.
To learn about what can you do to show your support for those suffering with brain injuries, or to receive emails pertaining to Brain Injury Awareness Month, visit the BIAA’s website.
The Minnesota attorneys at Meshbesher & Spence have helped hundreds of Minnesotans claim their rights in the face of tragedy and pain. If you or a member of your family has suffered a brain injury as a result of an accident, contact Meshbesher & Spence immediately to discuss the details of your case. Our attorneys are here to ensure that you receive the medical care and rehabilitation treatments you deserve.
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