A traumatic brain injury can physically, emotionally and financially devastate a victim and the victim’s family. The Brain Injury Association of America sponsors activities such as Brain Injury Awareness Month to raise awareness about the prevalence of brain injuries and what can be done to prevent them. The month of March has been designated by the, or BIAA.
The term “brain injury” can apply to a wide variety of injuries. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention describes a traumatic brain injury as a “bump, blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain.” Each year, almost two million people suffer brain injuries, meaning that a brain injury occurs every 15 seconds. Sadly, 140,000 brain injuries each year throughout the world are fatal. To put that figure in perspective, in the time it takes you to read this article someone will have died from a brain injury.
For those who suffer a non-fatal brain injury, life may never be the same. Every five minutes, a brain injury victim becomes permanently disabled. A severe brain injury may cause a victim to live with a life-long disability, and for some it will result in living in a vegetative state.
Brain Injury Causes
A brain injury can be caused by almost any type of accident or intentional act of violence; however, there are some common causes. Falls are the leading cause of brain injuries in the United States, accounting for about 33 percent of all brain injuries. Motor vehicle accidents are the second most common cause with about 17 percent.
A brain injury can be mild, moderate or severe; however, even a mild brain injury can turn into a severe one if the victim does not receive immediate and appropriate medical attention. Although brain damage cannot be reversed, much can be done to prevent further brain damage from occurring if a victim receives the proper medical care immediately following a head injury. In the absence of medical attention, a victim’s brain could begin to swell, causing intracranial pressure. Pressure on the brain can be fatal if not caught and treated in time.
When to Seek Medical Treatment
Anytime you or a loved one suffers any kind of trauma to the head, an immediate examination and evaluation should be done by a medical professional. If you exhibit any of the following signs, it could mean that you suffered a traumatic brain injury:
- Confusions, loss of memory
- Unconsciousness – even for a brief period of time
- Poor balance, dizziness, ringing in the ears
- Tired eyes, blurred vision
- Headache
- Sleeping too much or inability to sleep
- Nausea or vomiting
Additional information and support can be found through the BIAA’s website.
If you have been injured in a Yakima Valley area brain injury accident, or have lost a loved one as a result of one, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries or your loss. The Yakima Valley traumatic injury attorneys at Mariano Morales Law can help you get through the legal process and make sure that the party responsible for your injuries or loss is held accountable. Contact the team today by calling (509) 853-2222 or by using our online contact form for your free initial consultation.
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