Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant contributor to deaths and permanent disability for thousands of Americans. In Tennessee about 8,000 people are hospitalized each year for traumatic brain injury, and the Tennessee state government, public and private health care organizations have a wide variety of resources to help improve the lives of those suffering from the effects of TBI.
Caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head, TBI disrupts the normal function of the brain and the severity can range from mild to severe. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 1.7 million people suffer a TBI each year. Of those, 52,000 will die, 275,000 are hospitalized and 1.365 million are treated and released from an emergency room after which it is unknown if they receive any additional medical care for their injury. TBI is often considered a hidden disability because those suffering from the effects of a head injury usually appear to be perfectly normal and healthy individuals despite all of the challenges they face due to the changes in their brain that affect their whole life.
What are the causes of TBI?
Falls (35%) are the leading cause of TBI with children aged 0-4 years and adults over 75 years and older having the highest rates of injury. Motor vehicle accidents (17.3%) cause the most TBI-related deaths with adults age 20 to 24 years having the highest rates. Assaults cause ten percent of traumatic brain injuries, 21% the cause is unknown and 16.5% are caused when a person is struck by or against an object. (CDC)
Local Tennessee resources for those suffering from the effects of TBI and their caregivers
Founded in 1983, the Brain Injury Association of Tennessee is led by volunteers focused on increasing awareness of head injury issues.
Brain Injury Association of Tennessee
955 Woodland St
Nashville, TN 37206
Office: (615) 248-2541
Helpline: (800) 444-6443
http://www.braininjurytn.org/resources.html
Tennessee Department of Health Traumatic Brain Injury Program
Established by the Tennessee General Assembly to address the needs of individuals with brain injury, their family members and primary caregivers, the Traumatic Brain Injury Program staff is available to answer questions, make referrals and provide education and training to brain injury survivors.
Project Brain
Project Brain is a resource and information network for educators, families and health care providers who support students who have sustained a TBI. They provide training for supporting TBI students in the classroom, supporting student transitions from hospital to home and from home to school, and they educate members of the community about concussions.
Tennessee Disability Coalition
955 Woodland Street
Nashville, TN 37206 – 3753
tbi@tndisability.org
The importance of getting treatment for TBI immediately
Seeking medical care after a head injury in a car crash or a workplace accident, a slip and fall or an assault because if your brain injury is not properly diagnosed and treated immediately, it can lead to serious, permanent damage or even death. When our brain is injured whether you have an open wound or closed head trauma the damaged brain cells and neural connections do not regenerate. Brain cells which have suffered serious injury can never be restored. Researchers have found evidence that the brain continues to show signs of injury a year after the initial accident. If you receive medical attention right away, treatment can begin to prevent some of the negative long-term effects that come from untreated brain injuries.
If you have sustained a serious traumatic brain injury and you live in Tennessee, the skilled Nashville traumatic brain injury attorneys at the Rocky McElhaney Law Firm are ready to fight for the compensation you need. You may call to arrange a free, no-cost consultation at 615-246-5549 or complete our contact form now. With offices in Nashville, Hendersonville and Knoxville, we are here whenever you need us.
