Head injuries are not something to overlook. Whether it occurs on the football field or on the road in a crash, you must take these injuries seriously. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) frequently have delayed symptoms, but it is important to be on the lookout for these kinds of injuries and understand the risks that can impact your life.
Your brain is behind everything
Everyone knows that the brain is at the center of everything we do in our lives. From controlling our physical movements to our emotional behaviors and thoughts, it is the most important organ in the human body.
That is precisely why a TBI can have such a serious and life-changing impact. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that TBIs are a major cause of disability and death across the nation because these injuries not only impact the brain itself but also your ability to control:
- Your physical movements and fine motor skills
- Your emotions
- Your ability to process thoughts and information
- Your sight and other organ function
A TBI can impact nearly everything you rely on to navigate your daily life.
The effects can be lifelong
There is a wide range of brain injuries, depending on their severity. For example, most people make a full recovery from a concussion. It is still critical to take concussions seriously, but they are often considered to be “mild” TBIs.
Almost all types of TBIs can have both short-term and long-term effects. However, the more severe the TBI, the more severe the impacts. A TBI could cause permanent cognitive and physical disability. It can also increase the risk of other health complications, including:
- Blood clotting
- Incontinence
- Breathing issues
- Muscle spasms or weakness
Rehabilitation can help manage these health risks, as well as help individuals adapt to life with a brain injury. Even so, there is no denying that these injuries can change your life.
However, prevention is still key
Promoting safety and preventing TBIs – and their life-changing effects – is critical. From wearing a helmet while riding a bicycle, driving defensively on the road and taking extra precautions while playing sports, individuals in Washington must be aware of the risks a TBI poses, and the steps they can take to prevent such injuries.