Car Accident Traumatic Brain injury and concussion - What you need to know

A car accident lawyer in Michigan knows that a traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is an injury that affects how the brain works. TBI is a major cause of death and disability in the United States. Anyone can experience a TBI, but data suggest that some groups are at greater risk for getting a TBI or having worse health outcomes after the injury. CDC Brain Injury statistics show:

• About 166 Americans died from TBI-related injury each day in 2019
• There were more than 223,000 TBI-related hospitalizations in 2018

In 2019, about 15% of all U.S. high-school students self-reported one or more sports or recreation-related concussions within the preceding 12 months.

A TBI affects how the brain works

A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is an injury that affects how the brain works. It may be caused by a:

• Bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or
• Penetrating injury (such as from a gunshot) to the head

There are three main types of TBI:

•  Mild TBI or concussion
• Moderate TBI
• Severe TBI

TBI is a major cause of death and disability

There were about 61,000 TBI-related deaths in the United States in 2019. That’s about 166 TBI-related deaths every day.

TBIs affect the lives of people of all ages. Anyone can experience a TBI, but data suggest that some groups are at greater risk of dying from a TBI or experiencing long-term health problems after the injury. Examples of some demographic groups known to be more likely to be affected by TBI, include:

• Racial and ethnic minorities
• Military service members and Veterans
• Victims who experience homelessness
• Victims who are in correctional and detention facilities
• Survivors of intimate partner violence
• People living in rural areas

Learn more about health disparities and TBI:

People most commonly get TBIs from a fall, firearm-related injury, motor vehicle crash, or an assault
Research shows that:

• Falls lead to nearly half of the TBI-related hospitalizations
• Firearm-related suicide is the most common cause of TBI-related deaths in the United States
• Motor vehicle crashes and assaults are other common ways a person may get a TBI

The CDC provides detailed information on the leading ways people get TBIs, among them are auto accident crashes, and the groups of people most likely to get a TBI. You can check out CDC’s TBI data reports.

TBI may lead to short or long term health problems:

Depending on the severity of the traumatic brain injury (TBI), those who get a TBI may face health problems that last a few days or the rest of their lives. For example, a person with a mild TBI or concussion may experience short-term symptoms and feel better within a couple of weeks or months. And a person with a moderate or severe TBI may have long-term or life-long effects from the head injury.

A person with a possible TBI should be seen by a healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider may have treatment to help speed your recovery.

• Most people with a mild TBI or concussion can recover safely at home following a medical check-up
• Victims with a moderate or severe TBI may need ongoing care to help with their recovery

A TBI during childhood may affect brain development

TBI affects children differently than adults. An injury of any severity to the developing brain may:

• Disrupt a child’s development
• n children the ability to participate in school and other activities, like sports may be affected

As a result of a TBI, children may experience changes in their health, thinking, and behavior that affect learning, self-regulation, and social participation, all of which are important to becoming a productive adult.

The CDC reported to Congress on the management of traumatic brain injury in children and gave details the potential effects of a TBI on children and their families.

TBIs may be missed in older adults

Older adults are more likely to be hospitalized and die from a TBI compared to all other age groups. Still, TBIs may be missed or misdiagnosed in older adults because symptoms of TBI overlap with other medical conditions that are common among older adults, such as dementia may be exacerbated.

Healthcare providers should check for signs and symptoms of TBI if an older adult has:

•  Fallen or has a fall-related injury, such as a hip fracture
• Been in a car crash In older adults this is especially important who are taking blood thinners, such as:
• Anticoagulants like warfarin (Coumadin), rivaroxaban (Xarelto), and apixaban (Eliquis)
• Antiplatelet medications like clopidogrel (Plavix), ticagrelor (Brilinta), and acetylsalicylic acid (Aspirin)

After a TBI these medicines may increase the risk for bleeding in patients using blood thinners. Bleeding in the brain after a TBI may put a person at risk for more severe injury or death.

Need an Attorney for Car Accident?

We've been practicing personal injury law for almost three decades. Our family law firm has a long history of fighting and winning for our clients. If you or a loved one received a head injury in an auto accident, call us at 1-866-HIRE-JOE or 248-352-2110 for a free consultation.