Traumatic Brain Injury

A Traumatic Brian Injury is an injury which results from an external mechanical force applied to the cranium and intracranial contents leading to temporary or permanent impairments, functional disability, or psychosocial maladjustment.

The Glasgow Coma Scale defines the severity of a Traumatic Brain Injury within 48 hours of injury. The scale relates to eye-opening, motor response and verbal response and varies from 3-15. The lower the score the more severe the injury.

The Ranchos Los Amigos Scale of cognitive functioning is used to evaluate the severity of a head injury. It varies from Level 1 to Level 8.

There are approximately 1.4 million Traumatic Brain Injuries sustained in the United States annually, of which approximately 200,000 victims need hospitalization.

Motor vehicle accidents are the leading cause of Traumatic Brain Injuries in the general population. Falls are the second leading cause. Firearms cause the third most TBI's. Work related TBI's cause an estimated 45% to 50% of all brain injuries sustained.

Traumatic Brain Injury is the signature injury which our troops are suffering in Iraq.

The effects of a brain injury are complex and can vary greatly from person to person.

The brain is divided into main functional sections, called Lobes. There are six different sections. The sections are the frontal, temporal, parietal, occipital, cerebellum and the brain stem sections. Each section has specific functions which can be affected or damaged due to injury. An injury can result in thinking changes, physical changes, and personality and behavioral changes. An injury can cause either impairment or a complete inability to perform a function or functions.

Injuries can be caused to the right side of the brain, left side of the brain or can involve a diffuse brain injury. The different types of injuries result in greatly varying types of disabilities. Frequently, there is a substantial change in emotional regulation caused by Brain Injury.

Prompt examination and evaluation of a Traumatic Brain Injury is imperative. The victim of a Traumatic Brain Injury needs fast assessment and treatment to minimize the effects of such injury.

Please call our office for advice or consultation at your convenience. (800) 400-8321.