Approximately 1.7 million people suffer brain injuries each year, according to the Brain Injury Association of America. Many of those injuries transform the lives of victims and their families forever. The organization designated March as Brain Injury Awareness Month to help the public understand brain injuries, their causes and treatment.
What Is a Brain Injury?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention defines a brain injury as a “bump, blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain.” Brain injuries can be mild, moderate or severe. A concussion is a good example of a mild to moderate brain injury. Although concussions are fairly common, they are considered an injury to your brain and should be treated accordingly. Severe brain injuries are classified as either closed injuries or penetrating injuries. A penetrating brain injury is caused when a foreign object actually penetrates the skull and injures the brain. A closed brain injury occurs when the brain moves inside the skull.
What Causes Brain Injuries?
While almost anything can result in a brain injury, statistics compiled by the CDC tell us that falls are the most common cause of brain injury. In fact, about 33 percent of all traumatic brain injuries are caused by falls. Car accidents represent about 17 percent of all brain injuries. Some jobs carry a higher risk of a brain injury accident than others. Construction accidents, such as a fall or being hit by a falling object, can often lead to a brain injury.
How Are Brain Injuries Treated?
Despite advances in science and medicine, there remains no way no reverse damage done to the human brain. Because of this, diagnosing and treating a brain injury immediately is critical to prevent further damage. Even a mild brain injury can lead to swelling of the brain if not properly treated after the accident. Once the brain begins to swell, additional injury, even death, can result from pressure inside the skull. If you are concerned that you, or someone you know, could have suffered a brain injury, seek medical treatment immediately.
Signs and Symptoms of a Brain Injury
Anytime someone has been hit in the head, suffered a fall or been involved in a motor vehicle accident, a thorough medical examination should be completed to check for injury to the brain. In addition, anyone who exhibits any of the signs or symptoms of a brain injury should be evaluated immediately. Common symptoms include:
- Loss of consciousness
- Dizziness, poor balance, lack of coordination
- Blurred visions, tired eyes
- Confusions, memory loss
- Nausea, vomiting
- Sleep problems
- Irritability, anxiety, depression
The Brain Injury Association of New York State can provide additional information and support for victims.
If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Contact the New York/New Jersey accident attorneys at Ginarte Gonzalez Winograd L.L.P., to find out what legal options you may have. With seven offices conveniently located in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area, we have an office near you. Contact the firm today by calling 888-446-2783 for your free consultation or fill out our online contact form.