Chances are you or someone you know has had a brain injury. An estimated 2.8 million traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) occur in the U.S. each year, and 1 in 60 people live with a permanent brain-injury related disability. According to the CDC, 176 people die every day from a TBI-related condition.

Every March, the Brain Injury Association works to raise awareness about brain injuries, designating this month as Brain Injury Awareness Month. It’s an opportunity to review who is most susceptible to brain injuries, and how we can protect ourselves, and others, from an injury that could permanently alter our lives.

Common causes and degrees of TBIs

A TBI is the result of sudden trauma to the head that alters brain function. According to the CDC, falls are responsible for 28 percent of this country’s TBIs and are responsible for almost half of TBI-related hospitalizations. Suicide with the use of a firearm is the most common cause of TBI-related deaths. Other common causes include: motor vehicle crashes, being hit or colliding with an object, and assaults.

TBIs are classified from mild, such as a concussion, to severe. A person with a severe TBI will likely be in a coma for more than six hours. These severe injuries may result in death.

On the other hand, those who suffer a mild TBI, or mTBI, will often regain functional abilities in two to four weeks. Early intervention, care, and management are key.

Who is most at risk?

It’s probably not surprising that the age group most at risk for TBIs, particularly from falls, is 75 years and up. That group has both the highest rate of hospitalizations due to TBIs (32 percent), as well as deaths (28 percent).

TBI numbers for men are also higher than for females across almost all causes, but particularly in motor vehicle crashes, being struck by or against an object, and firearm-related suicide and homicide.

Finally, approximately 10 percent of TBIs occur during sports and recreational activities. In one study of college-level athletes, this is one area in which females suffered a higher rate of concussion than their male counterparts.

Safety tips

Taking some simple precautions can prevent many situations that can lead to a brain injury.

• Fall prevention. If you live with or are responsible for an older individual, be sure to clear the home of hazards that can lead to a fall. This includes clutter on the floor or even throw rugs. Make sure steps are in good condition, offer good traction, and have a stable handrail. These can all help reduce fall risks among all household members. Also be aware of any medications that can cause issues with balance, whether prescription-based or over-the-counter. Vision problems, lower body weakness, foot pain, or ill-fitting footwear and vitamin D deficiency can also lead to falls. ‍
• Motor vehicle safety. Following basic motor vehicle safety guidelines can go a long way to preventing a traumatic brain injury. Make sure all passengers are properly restrained. For adults, that means properly applied seat belts and for children, age-appropriate car seats and restraints. Follow the rules of the road for speeding, keeping a safe distance from other vehicles, and passing protocols. Don’t drive distracted and never, ever drive while impaired. Older drivers should be medically cleared to drive, and if you have new drivers in the family, be sure to help them understand the importance of driver responsibility. Many insurance companies also now have “safe driving” apps that monitor driving habits and provide insurance discounts for safe driving.  
• ‍Firearms. If you have firearms in your home, be sure they are in a locked safe or lockbox, unloaded, with ammunition safely stored in a separate location. If your child plans to visit a friend’s home where you know there are firearms, remember to ask those adults how they are stored before agreeing to let your child go there.‍
• Sporting safety. If your child participates in sports, make sure they have the proper and well-fitting equipment to protect their heads. This includes individual activities such as bicycling, skateboarding, or in-line or roller skating. Children participating in equestrian activities should wear a helmet designed for such activities.

Diagnosing a TBI

Any time the head is subjected to trauma, it’s best to seek medical attention, regardless of age. Symptoms may not be immediately obvious, so a professional evaluation is best. However, understanding some common signs of a concussion can help, particularly if you did not observe the incident:

• Slower than normal reaction time
• Headaches and/or dizziness
• Sensitivity to light
• Vision or sleep problems
• Disorientation or confusion
• Impaired attention and memory
• Balance issues
• Speech difficulties

Remember, you only have one brain, and it’s one of the most important organs in the human body. Keeping it protected should be at the top of your list.