Traumatic Brain Injury Category

An estimated 1 million people in the United Kingdom currently have a long-term or lifelong need for help with everyday activities due to traumatic brain injury (TBI). Many believe this number to be low as it only takes into account the number of reported injuries to hospital accident and emergency rooms and by doctors.

1. A traumatic brain injury is a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the function of the brain. The injury may be suffered in a car or motorbike accident, injury at work, fall or assault.

2. 1 million people sustain a Traumatic Brain Injury each year in the UK. Every person in the UK has a 1:400 chance of sustaining a traumatic brain injury each year.

3. The two groups at highest risk for traumatic brain injury are children (0-4 year olds) and teenagers (15-19 year olds). Babies are at particular risk of suffering a brain injury during birth which can lead to the development of conditions such as cerebral palsy. Teenagers are statistically more likely to be involved in a car accident that any other age group.

4. Statistics show the number of sports-related traumatic brain injury count  as high as 0.25 million per year. Activities such as rock climbing, skiing and motor bike racing are amongst the sports where the risk of suffering a head injury is highest.

5. Using a seatbelt in a motor vehicle and wearing a helmet when cycling or riding a motorbike is the best way to prevent a Traumtic Brain Injury. Brain injuries suffered during motorcycle accidents are statistically more likely to result in severe long term disability.

6. Males are almost twice as likely as females to sustain a TBI. This is a combination of them participating in more dangerous sports, being employed in jobs that present a risk of suffering a head injury and being more likely to be involved in an assault.

7. A concussion is a mild brain injury. The consequences of multiple concussions can be far more dangerous than those of a first TBI. Sports such as boxing and kickboxing can lead to multiple concussion being suffered.

8. The area most often injured are the frontal lobes that control thinking and emotional regulation. The frontal lobes are located at the front of the head.

9. A blow to one part of the brain can cause damage throughout.

10 Most people do make a good recovery from TBI. Early medical treatment and specilised rehabilitation are crucial in making a good recovery from a brain injury.