What makes a brain injury "traumatic?"
Usually, a 'traumatic' brain injury is caused by
external force to the skull. Other causes of brain injuries
(aneurysms, brain tumors, etc.) are not classified as 'traumatic.'
What causes a TBI?
The most common causes of TBI are motor vehicle
crashes and falls, but they can be anything that causes the head to
abruptly strike a solid object and the brain to hit the interior
wall of the skull. Other causes are: physical assaults (such as
gunshot wounds and child abuse) and
sports/recreational injuries.
What are the consequences of TBI?
TBI varies in severity from mild to severe.
People who experience a mild injury very often appear fine yet can
have some lingering effects that impact their ability to resume
their normal responsibilities at home, work, or school. They may
exhibit difficulties with: concentration, organization, managing
multiple tasks simultaneously, memory, relationships with family,
business associates, friends, and/or personality changes.
People whose injuries are considered to be
moderate or severe, exhibit varying degrees of difficulty in
cognition (thinking), emotional, behavioral, physical and social
areas. They may suffer permanent disabilities, which affect their
returning to a pre-injury lifestyle.
Why is TBI called "The Silent Epidemic?"
TBI has been referred to as "The Silent
Epidemic" because of the staggering number of people who are injured
each year and the lack of public awareness about its consequences.
Please see our
Fact Sheet for more information regarding this area.
Need more information?
Contact us
Seven things families need
to remember
- Reinforce the behaviors you would
like to see increase. Like a garden "water the behaviors you'd
like to grow."
- When safety is not an issue,
ignore the behavior you would like to decrease.
- Model the behaviors you would like
to see.
- Avoid situations that provoke
behaviors you are trying to reduce.
- Structure the environment, use
cues for positive behaviors. Plan rest periods.
- Redirect the person rather than
challenging them.
- Seek professional help sooner than
later.
Fit
of bicycle safety helmets and risk of head injuries in children
at the National Center for Biotechnology Information
Definitions of a Brain Injury from
the National BIA
Incidence and Prevalence of Brain Injury
from the National BIA
Causes of Brain Injury from the National
BIA
Effects of Aging from the National BIA
Rotondi, A. J., Sinkule, J., & Spring, M. (2005). An interactive
web-based intervention persons with TBI and their families.
Journal of Head Trauma Rehabilitation, 20(2), 173-185.
