While many Colorado residents may have heard about TBI, or traumatic brain injury, many may not know that most of these are actually minor injuries. This does not mean that minor TBI, or mTBI, is nothing to be concerned about. It was reported that mTBI is actually a major public health issue. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention considers mTBI a silent epidemic.
mTBI is considered to be minor because the impacts of the injury often do not make themselves known until the individuals resume their everyday lives. The symptoms can include impaired cognition, anxiety and a wide variety of other memory-associated deficits. These symptoms can impact an individual’s ability to function normally. CT scans often do not indicate whether an individual has suffered an mTBI.
The report stated that approximately 80 percent of those who suffered an mTBI were considered safe to be discharged from the hospital. Most also fully recover. However, residual symptoms could last more than a year after the injury occurred. Furthermore, those who suffer an mTBI are at increased risk for second-impact syndrome. For example, a person who suffers a second concussion before fully recovering from an mTBI could sustain greater injury.
In addition, the report indicates that those who suffer musculoskeletal injuries often suffer an mTBI and increased medical costs. A Colorado brain injury lawyer may be of help to those who suffer a brain injury as a result of someone else’s negligence. For example, a lawyer could recover compensation for the costs associated with future medical needs and impaired function. In most cases, the lawyer may be able to settle with the insurance company outside of court. In very rare cases, however, the lawyer may provide a strong representation for their client in court.
Source: Science Daily, “A Silent Epidemic: Minor Traumatic Brain Injury“, October 10, 2013