Silent Epidemic: Millions Living With Traumatic Brain Injuries as Cases Rise Across the U.S.

Omega Law Group Accident & Injury Attorneys is working to increase public awareness of the growing public health concern caused by traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in observance of National Brain Injury Awareness Month. TBI, sometimes known as a “silent epidemic,” presently affects 1 in 60 Americans, and over 5.3 million people nationwide suffer from long-term disabilities brought on by brain trauma. The severity and pervasiveness of TBI injuries are highlighted by the shocking and tensed statistics that over 69,000 people died in 2021 as a result of TBI-related complications.

What Is a TBI?

TBI refers to a traumatic brain injury which takes place when the brain’s normal functioning is affected and disturbed by an outside force. Outside forces which include blows, bumps or a bang to the head. The intensity and severity of TBIs can have great variations. While some cases result in catastrophic, long-term damage or even death, others involve mild symptoms with transient symptoms. Many patients experience severe and long-lasting physical, cognitive, or emotional damages that change the course of their lives, even though some recover with zero lasting effects.

Primary Causes of Traumatic Brain Injuries

The most common reasons and causes for TBIs includes sudden falls, car crashes, suicides involving firearms, and physical assaults. All of these reasons and situations have the ability to cause severe abrupt, powerful blows to the head that affect brain activity.

Who Is at the Greatest Risk?

Considering the fact that TBI can occur to anyone regardless of age and health, specific groups are disproportionately affected because of their worrying lifestyle, environment and occupation. The mentioned variations and demographics are particularly vulnerable:

• Senior Members: Older adults aged 65 and older are specifically at higher risks as sudden falls and mishappenings the leading and main cause of TBIs in this age group. Small issues such as a minor trip or slip can have serious neurological consequences for seniors.
• Drivers and Passengers: The majority of TBI cases involve motor vehicle accidents involving people under the age of 65. Getting injuries due to high-speed collision and rollovers is common, sometimes with delayed onset of symptoms.
• Construction Workers: People working on the construction sites are one of the most affected groups represeting a highest-risk professions for TBI. Serious brain injuries can occur due to falling debris and ladder accidents.
• Military Personnel: Since 2000, over 450,000 U.S. service members have been diagnosed with a TBI. 80% of these injuries occurred outside of active combat, hinting at the risks posed by training exercises, equipment accidents, and everyday duties.
• Athletes: Athletes in the field of football, soccer, and boxing, often experience repeated blows to the head. Over time, these repeated blows and injuries to the head lead to repeated trauma and hence, chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). It’s a progressive brain injury associated with dementia and memory loss.

Detecting TBI Signs: TBI Symptoms by Severity

Early identification of symptoms is critical for timely medical intervention. The number of TBI symptoms are highly based on the level of the injury:

• Headaches, nausea, drowsiness, trouble concentrating, and sensitivity to light or sound are some of the symptoms of mild TBI, such as a concussion. Despite their apparent manageability, these symptoms should not be disregarded.
• Long term disorientation, chronic lightheadness and numbness and difficulty in walking are some of the symptoms experienced by TBI patients. These symptoms are an indication pointing towards more disturbance and issues in brain activities thus requiring immediate medication and atttention.
• Fewer symptoms include frequent vomitings, dilated pupils and stammering. Even these fewer signs should not be ignored and should be given immediate attention.

A Call to Action From Omega Law Group

By conducting an in-depth research and investigation into the subject. A spokesman from Omega Law Group stated the following “It does not matter how the injury is caused, whether it is caused by sudden falls, sports injury or traffic injuries, the result of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) can have a long lasting effect on the human brain which can be devastating.” “Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a widespread, yet underreported, and neglected crisis which can impact every aspect of society,”

In order to protect the groups which are at high-risks of having TBI, the firm emphasizes the need of prevention-focused strategies and improvised safety measures. “It’s imperative for us to take relevant and quick actions to strengthen the safety measures for the workplace environment and encourage defensive and attentive driving, and implement protective measures for those most at risk as we mark National Brain Injury Awareness Month,” the spokesperson said. “We can immensely lower the rate of avoidable TBIs with improved institutional accountability and public education.”

Prevention and Advocacy: A Community Responsibility

To address the rising impact of TBIs, Omega Law Group advocates for a multi-layered prevention approach:

• Significantly adding strong workplace safety tools and protocols in areas like construction, manufacturing, and logistics
• Holding proper protective equipment and consistent safety training for risky jobs
• Adding strategies for preventing falls for older adults through modified homes, physical therapy, and knowledge
• Uplifting safe driving behaviors and implementing greater usage of seatbelts, helmets, and vehicle safety technologies
• Promoting athlete safety regulations, including impactful protocols and better and improvised helmet designs in contact sports

By giving importance and focusing on these areas, The Omega Law Group vouches to significantly contribute and help to a nationwide reduction in TBI incidence and severity.

Committed to Support and Justice

In order to help individuals and families affected by severe TBIs, the Omega Law Group stands still and dedicated to offer and contribute legal guidance, justice and representation. By implementing right advocacy, education and litigation, the firm promises to help the affected individuals secure the proper medical care and compensation they require to restart their lives.