March is brain injury awareness month calling attention to the effects of a traumatic brain injury or TBI. More than five million people in the United States are living with permanent brain injury. That is one in every 60 people. Nearly three million Americans sustain these catastrophic injuries every year. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that traffic-related crashes are one of the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries.
What Constitutes a Traumatic Brain Injury?
A traumatic brain injury or TBI is caused by an external force or trauma. A strong impact on the head during a car accident can damage brain tissue which can lead to temporary or permanent problems. Sometimes, the effects of a brain injury do not manifest themselves until weeks or months later. However, someone may feel there is something wrong if they experience chronic headaches, sleeping problems, memory loss, and sensitivity to lights and sounds. Depending on the severity of the initial impact, a person could appear to be fine but have a delayed trauma in which the brain becomes swollen.
Financial Concerns
Brain injuries often require extensive medical treatment. And it goes without saying, but it can cost tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. In addition, someone who suffers brain trauma may not be able to work right away, or worse yet, they may suffer permanent disabilities making it impossible to care for themselves or their family. A catastrophic injury quickly becomes a financial concern.
...