Traumatic Brain Injury: Who is at Risk?

Washington, D.C., Maryland, & Virginia

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) strikes over 1.4 million Americans every year. Anyone can incur a brain injury during their daily activities, such as driving to work or school each day, but some of are more likely to suffer TBI than others. TBI is often preventable. Understanding who is at risk and why can help prevent TBI.

Auto accidents are the most common overall cause of TBI. Active duty military personnel, the elderly, infants and toddlers, and older teenagers, are the most likely to incur TBI.

Active duty military personnel

It is estimated the between 22% and one-third of soldiers are coming home from the Iraq war with TBI. Better equipment and medical care means that more soldiers than ever are surviving combat, but it also means surviving with serious injuries. TBI has become the “signature wound” of the war in Iraq.

The elderly

People 75 and over are at a high risk for falling, the most common cause of TBI in the elderly. Auto accidents are another common cause for this group. Medications, health conditions, and alcohol often contribute to all types of accidents causing TBI in older people. Those caring for the elderly can help prevent TBI by providing adequate supervision and keeping their environment free of tripping hazards.

Infants and toddlers

Children four and under are also at high risk for falling. Violent shaking (causing shaken baby syndrome) and other abuse are also among the most common causes of TBI in young children. As with all age groups, auto accidents are another common cause. Parents can help prevent abuse by thoroughly screening child care providers. Of course, child-proofing homes, day cares, and preschool, as well as the proper use of car seats and other child restraints can also help prevent TBI.

Older teenagers

Auto accidents are the leading cause of TBI in teenagers 15 to 19 years old, due mainly to alcohol and inexperienced drivers, both independently and in combination. High school sports are also a common cause – about 20% of high school athletes incur brain injuries (mild, moderate or traumatic) each year. Concussions in high school sports are often overlooked, putting teenage athletes at an elevated risk for additional and more damaging brain injuries because of second impact syndrome.

Medical conditions and previous TBI

People with medial conditions such as epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, and conditions which cause fainting are at a high risk for TBI within a year. People who have already incurred TBI are at a high risk for second impact syndrome – incurring a second brain injury before the first has healed. Second impact syndrome is much more likely to cause permanent damage or death than an original brain injury. If you or a loved one has suffered any kind of traumatic brain injury in Maryland, Virginia and Washington DC, please email or call our skilled brain injury lawyers today. We are committed to obtaining justice for you - the victim.

If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury in Maryland, Virginia or Washington DC, please e-mail or speak to one of our skilled brain injury lawyers before you settle with an insurance company. Our TBI lawyers are committed to obtaining justice for you - the victim.

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