What is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?
According to the Brain Injury Association of America, a TBI “is defined as a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the function of the brain.” The severity of a TBI can vary greatly, ranging from a brief change in cognitive functioning to, in the worst case scenario, death.
The Brain Injury Association of America estimates there are 1.4 million TBI each year in the United States, which translates to .5% of the entire population. This means roughly one in every 200 Americans will undergo some type of TBI each year in the United States.
But there is good news: tbirecoverycenter.org summarizes recent advances in medical technology for the treatment of TBI. These advances span diverse areas of medical science, including bone marrow cell transplant, oxygen therapy, hormone therapy, and drug therapy. Researchers hope these and other treatment options one day increase the rate of recovery for TBI survivors.
Dr. Sam Goldstein (samgoldstein.com), a neuropsychologist in Salt Lake City, Utah, remains optimistic that medical and technological advances can limit the negative effects of TBI.“There are exciting advances on all fronts in prevention, treatment and rehabilitation for people with TBI. Rehabilitation specialists have made significant headway in the combination of medications and therapies, both cognitive and behavioral, to help TBI patients return to a near-normal life. Further, preventive measures such as the design of helmets for sports and airbags in cars has dramatically reduced the number of TBI.”
The human brain is so complex and delicate that it is likely impossible to eliminate all short and long term effects of these injuries. Dr. Goldstein urges individuals to be as safe as possible at all times, for the only way we will ever be completely able to treat TBI is when we are able prevent them from happening in the first place.
