Public Misconceptions of TBI
Although visibility and recognition of TBI (traumatic brain injury) has increased in recent decades, it appears public knowledge of TBI and its symptoms remains unchanged. In a recent study of the general population in an urban setting, researchers found that public levels of knowledge in 2004 were relatively unchanged from knowledge in 1988.
Dr. Sam Goldstein, a Salt Lake City-based neuropsychologist notes,“ These misconceptions appeared unrelated to age, gender or education. As others have noted, it appears that knowledge about TBI likely comes, at least in part, from popular media. Further, family members, employers and even TBI survivors likely hold these misconceptions. These incorrect ideas may play a potentially significant role in personal injury trials. For example, 35% believed that a whiplash injury could not cause brain damage. Thirty-five percent believed that after a traumatic brain injury it was not more difficult for someone to learn than previously. In regards to forensic issues, 28% believed that a concussion was ‘harmless and never results in long-term problems or brain damage.’ Twenty-five percent believed that if a person wanted to ‘it would be easy to fake brain damage from a head injury’ and 66% believed that the only way to prove brain damage from a head injury was by an x-ray of the brain. Surprisingly, 59% believed that most people with severe TBI are eventually able to return to their previous work. Finally, 44% believed that a head injury affected the brains of men and women differently.
These data, though limited in scope and total sample size, may well reflect generally held misconceptions in the broader public. Attorneys are advised to consider addressing these issues during voir dire as well as allowing time for forensic neuropsychologists and related medical specialists to educate jurors about the facts of TBI prior to offering testimony.”
As traumatic brain injuries continue to gain visibility and media attention, hopefully the general public will better understand TBI survivors and their symptoms.
Click here to read Dr. Goldstein’s entire article.
