The brain is the most complex organ in the human body. It governs every aspect of your life and ensures you remain safe and healthy. With over 200,000 people in Florida living with traumatic brain injury, it’s important to understand its potential causes and seek help early to achieve maximum recovery.
What is traumatic brain injury?
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a type of injury that occurs when an external force causes damage to the brain. TBI can be mild, moderate or severe, depending on the extent of the damage. It can affect a person’s physical, cognitive and emotional functioning. TBI can have many causes, including falls, motor vehicle accidents, sports injuries and physical assault.
Falls
One of the most common causes of TBI is falls. Children and older adults are particularly vulnerable to falling accidents.
Car accidents
Motor vehicle accidents are another leading cause of TBI. The force of the impact and the potential for the head to strike an object can cause damage to the brain. Wearing a seatbelt and taking other precautions can help to reduce the risk of TBI in a motor vehicle accident.
Sports-related injuries
Sports injuries can also result in TBI. This can occur from contact sports, such as football and hockey, or from non-contact sports, such as cycling and horseback riding. Wearing appropriate protective gear and following safety guidelines are crucial in preventing TBI in sports.
Assault and battery
Physical assault including domestic violence, child abuse and other forms of violence can end in brain injury for the victim. Furthermore, brain injury can result from combat, adding to PTSD suffered by veterans.
Protect your brain and seek help in case of injury
It is essential to take precautions to prevent TBI, such as wearing a helmet when engaging in activities with a high risk of head injury and using safety equipment in the workplace. If a TBI does occur, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to minimize the potential long-term effects. Therapy from knowledgeable specialists can drastically improve an injury victim’s prognosis.