- Who Suffers From TBI?
- What Are the Signs and Symptoms of TBI?
- What Are the Causes of and Risk Factors for TBI
- What Medical Care Should a TBI Patient Receive?
- How Does a TBI Affect Consciousness?
- What Immediate Post-Injury Complications Can Occur?
- What Disabilities Can Result From a TBI?
- Are There Other Long-Term Problems Associated With a TBI?
- What Kinds of Rehabilitation Should a TBI Patient Receive?
- How Can TBI be Prevented?
Who Suffers From TBI?
Head trauma can affect anyone at any age. Males who are between 15 and 24 years of age have been more vulnerable because of their high-risk lifestyles. Young children and individuals over 75 years of age are also more susceptible to head injury. Falls around the home are the leading cause of injury for infants, toddlers, and elderly people. Violent shaking of an infant or toddler is another significant cause. The leading causes for adolescents and adults are automobile and motorcycle accidents, but injuries that occur during violent crimes are also a major source.
Approximately 200,000 Americans die each year from their injuries. An additional half million or more are hospitalized. About 10 percent of the surviving individuals have mild to moderate problems that threaten their ability to live independently. Another 200,000 have serious problems that may require institutionalization or some other form of close supervision.