TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury) and PCS (Post-concussion Syndrome)
If you watch football, you have heard of the term “Post-concussion syndrome”. But, what is it? Post-concussion Syndrome is a common result of traumatic brain injury (TBI) following a concussion. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines TBI as a “Bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth.” TBI can range from mild to severe. Concussions are considered a mild form of TBI.
Causes of TBI?
Statistics gathered by the CDC show:
- Number 1 cause of TBI: Falls. In fact, falls account for almost half (48%) of all TBI-related injuries, disproportionately affecting children (0-17) and older adults (over 65);
- Number 2 cause of TBI: Being struck by or against an object. In 2014, this accounted for more than 1 in 4 (28%) of TBI-related Emergency Room visits in children less than 17 years of age;
- Number 3 cause of TBI: Car accidents and car accidents are actually the second leading cause of TBI-related hospitalizations.
Statistics gathered by the CDC also show that in 2014 about 2.87 million people either visited the Emergency Room, were hospitalized for or died from injuries that included TBI.
Effects of TBI?
Those who survive a TBI face effects that last anywhere from a few days to the rest of their lives. Such effects can include:
- Impaired thinking;
- Impaired memory;
- Impaired movement;
- Impaired vision;
- Impaired hearing;
- Personality changes,
- Irritability,
- Headaches;
- Sensitivity to noise or light;
- Balance problems;
- Sleep disturbances;
- Nervousness or anxiety; and
- Depression and sadness.
How do you prevent or protect against TBI?
2. Always wear a helmet, or appropriate headgear, when:
- Riding a bike, motorcycle, snowmobile, scooter, all-terrain vehicle;
- Playing contact sports (football, ice hockey, or boxing),
- Batting and running bases in baseball or softball,
- Riding a horse,
- Skiing or
- Snowboarding.
3. For older adults:
- Talk to your doctor to evaluate risk for falling;
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medication to see if any might make you dizzy or sleepy. This should include prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, herbal supplements, and vitamins;
- Have your eyes checked at least once a year, and be sure to update your eyeglasses if needed; and
- Do strength and balance exercises to make your legs stronger and improve your balance.
4. For children:
- Install window guards to prevent young children from falling out of open windows;
- Use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs when young children are around; and
- Make sure your child’s playground has soft material under it, such as hardwood mulch or sand.
We are here to help
We have seen the unfortunate effects of TBI-related injuries in our clients, ranging from car accidents, falls, blunt-force trauma to the head, and football-related injuries.
If you or a loved one are suffering from TBI or TBI-related injuries, we can help. We work on contingency and have a “Zero fee guarantee.” This means that you will never pay fees or costs unless we obtain a recovery for you.
This article is brought to you by Mason Rashtian of The Mason Law Firm, a full-service personal injury attorney and accident lawyer. We represent clients all throughout California and Los Angeles County, including the Santa Clarita Valley, Valencia, Stevenson Ranch, Canyon Country, Newhall, and the entire San Fernando Valley.
We can be reached at (661) 270-5677.
This article is meant for informational purposes only.