Of all the major types of injuries, brain injuries are certainly one of the most dangerous and can often result to lifelong debilitating defects. Traumatic brain injuries are one of the leading causes of death and injuries worldwide. It is estimated that around 5 million Americans today suffer from medical complications as a direct result of brain injuries.

Studies show that the occurrence of traumatic brain injuries are often age related. The nature and type of accident has a direct correlation with the person’s age. Teenagers are more likely to suffer from TBI’s due to car and automotive accidents while a toddler’s brain injury is mainly due to accidents at home.  

Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries

 Automotive accidents

Traffic accidents make a huge chunk of all traumatic brain injuries. The combination of a fast moving vehicle and a sudden stop causes traumatic brain injuries due to the head hitting the steering column or a violent head backlash. Contrary to popular belief, traumatic brain injuries in car accidents are not due to penetrating wounds but blunt injuries. Brain concussions and internal hemorrhage are common injuries found in automotive accidents and are the leading cause of death.

Falls and Accidents

Falls are the leading cause of brain injuries among kids and the elderly. Accidents at home account for most brain injuries suffered by children. Keeping your home safe for children should always be a major priority for parents. Placing a rug inside the bathroom prevents slips which are the major cause of accidents at home. A carefully placed carpet in the staircase also prevents children from falling and banging their heads on the stairs edges.

Persons aged 65 years and older are also more prone to traumatic brain injuries. Old age weakens the bones causing them to be more susceptible to head injuries. Head trauma is more complicated in the elderly because of their slower and weaker healing process.

Sport Injuries

High contact sports such as American football, basketball and fighting sports such as boxing are also a leading cause of traumatic brain injuries. Great strides have been taken in making these sports safer the physical nature of the game continuous to be a major cause of brain injuries. The introduction of safer head and sport equipments together with the availability of emergency medical services during games have improved the chance of players recovering from such injuries.

For more information visit:   Personal Injury Law Firm Wurtzel Law, serving clients in Plainview, NY.