March is Brain Injury Awareness Month: What to Know about Traumatic Brain Injuries

Although March – Brain Injury Awareness Month – is almost over, the effects of a traumatic brain injury can last a lifetime.

The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) leads an awareness campaign each March that focuses on educating people about brain injury occurrences and how to help victims of brain injuries and their loved ones. The law offices of Martin, Harding & Mazzotti, LLP, are proud to join forces with the BIAA to educate the public about traumatic brain injuries.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Injury Prevention, 2.4 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year. The leading causes of TBI are:

  • Falls (35.2%)
  • Motor vehicle-traffic crashes (17.3%)
  • Struck by/against events (16.5%)
  • Assaults (10%)

Brain injuries can result in a range of outcomes:

  • 52,000 die
  • 280,000 are hospitalized
  • 2.2 million are treated and released from an emergency department

As a law firm with many years experience dealing with the devastating effects of TBI, we understand the importance of educating people on brain injury basics, risks and common warning signs.

Here are some important facts about TBI from the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) website:

  • What is a concussion? – Concussions are brain injuries that can be caused by external forces to the head (a bump, blow, or jolt) or by hits to the body that cause the head to move rapidly. Sudden movements can cause the brain to move around inside of the skull. This damages brain cells and causes chemical changes in the brain. You do not need to actually hit your head to suffer a brain injury.
  • Concussion warning signs – Always be aware of common warning signs after it appears someone may have had a concussion. Warning signs may include fatigue, persistent headaches, decreased coordination or slurred speech, memory problems, attention problems, weakness or numbness, unusual behavior, confusion, and loss of consciousness. However, you do not need to lose consciousness to be diagnosed with a concussion. If you notice any of these symptoms after a trauma seek medical attention as soon as possible.
  • Preventing TBI – Making safety a priority can help reduce the risks of brain injury whether you’re on the field, at work, or just out and about. Choose helmets appropriate to your activity, be mindful of dangerous surfaces (like wet or icy walkways), and always supervise children.
  • Recovery – Following a concussion, time is crucial to helping the brain heal. Whether you or your child has experienced a TBI, make sure to get plenty of rest, avoid risky activities that could cause further injury, talk to a doctor, and be sure to return slowly to normal activities.

If you or someone you know has suffered a traumatic brain injury as a result of negligence or harm, we can help. Contact the law offices of Martin, Harding & Mazzotti LLP to learn how we can help you or your loved one while they focus on healing.