Many times a head or brain injury is not diagnosed or noticed until days or weeks after the accident. This is because often the initial treatment is focused primarily on the physical injuries and pain. However, as the physical injuries heal, the victim may begin to notice difficulties with memory, concentration, attention, fatigue, etc.
The overwhelming medical evidence has established that a brain injury can occur even when the person was not knocked unconscious. If you have been in an accident, it is important to be alert for any changes in your behavior or problems with your memory, concentration, attention, fatigue, etc.
The Brain Injury Association of America defines a traumatic brain injury as a blow or jolt to the head that disrupts the function of the brain. Traumatic brain injuries are classified as mild, moderate or severe. Even a mild traumatic brain injury can result in short or long-term problems with cognitive abilities and function.
The leading causes of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) are:
- Falls (28%)
- Motor vehicle-traffic crashes (20%)
- Struck by/against (19%) and
- Assaults (11%)