Vital facts to know about brain injuries

On Behalf of Holmes & Wiseley, P.C.

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. Michigan residents and everyone else should learn a few vital facts about brain injuries that many don’t know.

Traumatic brain injuries are known as silent epidemics

Each year, more than 1 million people sustain brain injuries. Many of those injuries are caused by car accidents, falls and contact sports. While traumatic brain injuries are so common, they are also referred to as the “silent epidemic.” A person might not initially realize they have such an injury, which is why they are known by that phrase.

Concussions don’t always result in unconsciousness

Concussions are among the most common types of brain injuries. These injuries are widely misunderstood. Many people think they result in the person losing consciousness. However, only around 10% of people who suffer concussions actually fall unconscious.

Women are at greater risk

Although anyone can suffer a traumatic brain injury, women are at a higher risk. Women can end up sustaining a TBI from a serious car accident, a fall or even an act of physical violence such as domestic abuse at the hands of their romantic partner.

Symptoms are not always immediately apparent

Many people who suffer brain injuries don’t immediately realize they have one. This is because the symptoms don’t always show up right away. Sometimes, symptoms of a brain injury can appear to be something else that seems minor such as a headache, nausea or tinnitus, ringing of the ears. For example, a person might shrug off a headache and nausea as a migraine.

Brain injuries can result in visual impairment

Concussions commonly result in some type of visual impairment. A person might experience blurred vision, loss of peripheral vision or sensitivity to light. They might even have trouble with normal eye movements.

It’s important to know these facts so you can be more aware in the event that you or a loved one suffers a TBI.

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