A traumatic brain injury, also known as a TBI, is an injury to the brain from a force, mechanical in nature. This brain injury generally leads to an impairment of some sort that causes the person a physical, cognitive or psychosocial disability.
Along with this impairment the person will generally suffer from a diminished state of consciousness.
Also known as a brain injury this type of injury is measured within 48 hours of occurrence on a scale that is known as the GCS or Glasgow Coma Scale. This scale will enable the medical profession to determine the severity of the traumatic brain injury.
The scale determines the level of severity based on the opening of the eyes to different types of stimulation, the motor responses, and verbal responses based on various criteria. These responses will determine a severe, moderate, or mild traumatic brain injury.
The incidence of traumatic brain injury is a major concern in the United States. Its incidence measures a highly elevated occurrence of death and disability. Over one million people who are stricken with a traumatic brain injury will suffer with disabling consequences on a long-term basis. These disabling traumatic brain injuries occurred due to a variety of circumstances, which include motor vehicle related injuries, injuries related to falling accidents, and blunt trauma to the brain such as in an assault.
As of 2006, the rate of occurrence of traumatic brain injury was at its highest level in the state of Arizona and at its lowest level in the state of Nebraska. Person in the over 75-year-old age category suffered the most traumatic brain related injuries requiring hospitalization. This category made up the highest rate of occurrence.
This particular age group also seemed to suffer the most traumatic brain injury occurrence due to falls because of decreased stability and agility. The second highest rate of occurrence was determined in the teen to mid-twenties category. This category was twice as high as other age groups. The male gender seems to suffer from traumatic brain related injuries over its female counterpart. The female species in the under four category also seemed to suffer with an approximate 50 percent above any other female age category.
Incidences of traumatic brain injuries are a growing concern to the medical profession. The are constantly putting forth substantial efforts to instill preventative health and safety programs in hopes of decreasing these numbers of incidences that are far too high. Continuing efforts are always in the works to lessen these alarmingly high numbers of occurrences. It is hoped that with continued effort that this number will decline over the years on a consistent basis.
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