According to the CDC, there are at least 1.7 million TBIs every year. These motor vehicle crashes accounted for 25.0% (2016) and 24.5% (2017) of all TBI related hospitalizations. These crashes are the leading cause of deaths by TBI among children and young adults. But not all TBIs result in death. An estimated 5.4 million people in the US live with disabilities associated with a TBI. The lifetime cost to care for a severe TBI survivor is estimated to be over $4 million.
80% of TBI cases, however, are classified as a mild TBI. In a motor vehicle collision, a TBI can result from a bump, blow, or jolt to the head. A TBI can also be the result of a non-contact head injury. According to the CDC, these sudden movements can cause:
- The brain to bounce around or twist in the skull
- Chemical changes in the brain
- Stretching and damaging brain cells
Often times, people believe that a concussion can only occur if the head hits something and if there is a loss of consciousness. This is untrue. Recent research has revealed that the whipping motions of an impact can cause sufficient rotational acceleration to injure the brain. This is seen in many different situations including sports, falls, and minor vehicle collisions. There are three distinct levels of severity for traumatic brain injuries:
- Mild TBI or Concussions – A relatively mild and temporary condition that's marked by headache and issues with balance, coordination, concentration, memory, or judgment. Most concussion victims will make a complete recovery after a bit of rest. However, suffering multiple concussions will make you more susceptible to more serious injuries if they suffer another head injury.
- Moderate TBI and post-concussion syndrome – Concussion symptoms can sometimes last for a few months to a year or more after a head injury. This often leads to anxiety and depression.
- Severe TBI - Severe TBIs include closed-injury TBI caused by the brain moving within the skull and being harmed. Severe TBI also includes penetrating TBI, when a foreign object pierces the skull and brain tissue. These often lead to a loss of consciousness and much more severe health consequences