A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a brain injury caused by physical trauma, most commonly a blow to the head. Here are some surprising facts about traumatic brain injury.

Every year, an estimated 1.7 million cases of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) occur in the United States. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 5.3 million men, women, and children are living with a permanent TBI-related disability today. This common neurological injury is a leading cause of death and disability in the United States.

Traumatic brain injury Texas is more common than is commonly assumed. TBIs can impair brain function and, as a result, cause serious health problems.

Let's get in-depth and learn more about traumatic brain injuries in detail.

What exactly is a traumatic brain injury (TBI)?

TBI is an injury that affects the brain's normal functioning caused by an external force on the head. 

TBIs vary in severity, ranging from "mild" or non-life-threatening to moderate and severe cases where the injury has resulted in bleeding, bruising, torn tissues, and other physical damage that can have long-term consequences. 

Concussions account for 75% of all TBIs, according to the CDC. Still, while they can heal in a matter of days or weeks, it's important to remember that all types of TBI are almost severe injuries, with the potential for coma, long-term consequences, and even death.

Surprising facts about TBI

A concussion does not always result in unconsciousness

A concussion is a mild type of TBI; only about 10% of concussion incidents result in loss of consciousness.

People constantly pass out from concussions on TV and in movies, but these reactions are exaggerated and not entirely realistic. Despite being less alert than usual, most people who suffer from a concussion remain awake and aware of their surroundings. However, if you are experiencing concussions, no matter how severe they are, then you can consult an expert doctor at Neuro rehab San Antonio if you live in San Antonio.

Why is this important to understand?

A brain injury can result from physical harm to the brain, not just concussions. As a result, knowing that you may suffer consequences even without movie-inspired concussions and seeking medical care and management is critical.

TBIs refer to the "Silent Epidemic"

Every year, approximately 1.7 million Americans suffer from traumatic brain injury, with about 75% of those cases being mild brain injuries or concussions.

Why is this important to understand?

Brain injuries are far more common than you think and have reached 'epidemic' proportions due to falls, sports injuries, car accidents, strokes, physical attacks, and other causes.

If you believe you have suffered from TBI, you are not alone. These conditions can now be diagnosed and treated by experts.

The most common cause of TBIs is falls

According to the Centers for Disease Control, falls cause approximately 47% of traumatic brain injuries, particularly in young children and adults over 65. 

Sports injuries (21%), blunt force trauma (15%), car accidents (14%), and violent physical assaults (9%) can all cause TBI.

Why is this important to understand?

Most brain injuries have relatively mild reasons that appear almost too insignificant to be concerned about. Most people believe that the cause of TBIs is significant events such as a car accident or physical assault, but most of the cause is something as simple as a fall or a head knock while playing a game.

You can protect yourself and help reduce the number of brain injuries each year by avoiding falls around the house and wearing headgear while playing sports.

TBIs are more common in women

While it is unclear why women are more likely than men to sustain a TBI, over 33% of women over the age of 15 have experienced some form of 'partner violence,' leading to TBI.

Why is this important to understand?

The media focuses on TBIs caused by professional sports, known as Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), which receives almost daily coverage. However, cases that include domestic violence gets usually ignored.

TBIs are far more common in women due to falls at home and domestic violence.

Treatment

Just as the way two people are not alike, two TBIs are also not alike, which means treatment often varies depending on the location of the injury, length of coma, and severity. 

Medication or surgery, such as deep brain stimulation, may be used to treat some patients. For others, a TBI can begin a life-long rehabilitation program to maximize the patient's abilities at home and in the community. You can consult Neuro Rehab San Antonio experts if the doctor suggests you or your loved one for a rehabilitation program. 

To conclude:

TBI is a change in how the brain works typically caused by a blow, bump, or jolt to the head, the head hitting an object suddenly and violently, or a thing going through the skull and hitting brain tissue. 

TBI symptoms can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on how much damage was caused to the brain. Mild cases may cause a temporary change in mental state or consciousness, and severe cases may result in prolonged unconsciousness, coma, or even death.

If you or someone you love is suffering through any symptoms of Traumatic brain injury Texas, make no delays in consulting with an expert doctor at Advantage Health group.