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What is Traumatic
Brain Injury?
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can
significantly affect many cognitive, physical, and psychological skills.
Physical deficit can include ambulation, balance, coordination, fine motor
skills, strength, and endurance. Cognitive deficits of language and
communication, information processing, memory, and perceptual skills are common.
Psychological status is also often altered.
Traumatic brain injuries typically
result from accidents in which the head strikes an object. This is the most
common type of traumatic brain injury. However, other brain injuries, such as
those caused by insufficient oxygen, poisoning, or infection, can cause similar
deficits. (Congress of
Neurological Surgery)
Traumatic Brain Injuries in the United States
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An estimated 5.3 million Americans are
living today with a TBI-related disability. (Congress
of Neurological Surgery) |
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There was a 22% decline in the TBI-related
death rate from 24.6/100,000 U.S. residents in 1979 to 19.3/100,000 in 1992(Congress
of Neurological Surgery) |
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50,000 people die every year from TBI (BIAUSA) |
| The average TBI incidence rate (combined
hospitalization and mortality rate) is 95 per 100,000 population. Twenty-two
percent of people who have a TBI die from their injuries. (CDC) |
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Firearm-related TBI rates increased 13%
from 1984 through 1992, undermining a 25% decline in motor vehicle-related
rates for the same period. (CDC) |
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Every 21 seconds, someone in the U.S.
suffers a Brain Injury. |
| Brain Injury disables 20 times more people than: Breast
Cancer, AIDS, Spinal Cord Injury, and Multiple Sclerosis combined. (TBI
Info.) |
Traumatic Brain Injuries in Louisiana
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From January 1, 1996 to December 31, 1999
16,203 Louisiana residents sustained a traumatic brain injury (TBI). |
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Highest rate of injury were among people
aged 15-24. |
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Males are 2.2 times more likely to sustain
a brain injury. |
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Motor vehicle crashes followed by falls and
violence related injuries were the leading causes of TBI. |
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45% of TBI resulted in death or disability. |
(Injury
Research and Prevention, Louisiana Office of Public Health)
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