Let’s Prevent Traumatic Brain Injury

"About 150 Americans die from TBI-related injuries each day.

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by

• A bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or
• A penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain.

TBI is a major cause of death and disability in the United States, contributing to about 30% of all injury deaths. Those who survive TBI can face effects lasting a few days to disabilities that last the rest of their lives.

Effects of TBI can include:

• Impaired thinking or memory,
• Impaired movement,
• Impaired sensations, for example vision or hearing, or
• Emotional changes, for example personality changes or depression.

These issues can affect individuals and have lasting effects on families and communities..."
Traumatic brain injury

Epilepsy Can Follow Traumatic Brain Injury

"Did you know that traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cause epilepsy? Learn how to protect your brain.

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) can happen to anyone, especially young children and older adults. TBIs can range from mild (such as concussions) to severe, life-threatening injuries. They can cause changes in:

• Thinking and memory;
• Sensations and balance;
• Language, such as talking and understanding; and
• Emotions, such as depression, anxiety, or aggression.¹

TBIs can also cause epilepsy

Epilepsy is a broad term used for a brain disorder that causes repeated seizures. There are many types of epilepsy and there are also many different kinds of seizures. TBIs can cause a seizure right after the injury happens or even months or years later. Researchers agree that the more severe the TBI, the greater the chance the person may develop epilepsy.² Age and other medical conditions are also factors in whether or not a person may develop epilepsy after a TBI.

The terms post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) and post-traumatic seizures (PTS) are both used to describe seizures that happen because of a TBI.³ In 2014, there were over 280,000 hospitalizations for TBI in the US.⁴ A CDC-funded study found that among people aged 15 years and older hospitalized for TBI, about 1 out of 10 developed epilepsy in the following 3 years.²

Everyone should:

• Learn the signs and symptoms of TBI and when to seek medical care.
• Take the CDC’s HEADS UP training to learn how to recognize, respond to, and minimize the risk of concussion or TBI if you’re a parent, coach, child care provider, or school professional..."
  Epilepsy and TBI

CDC releases report to Congress detailing the impact of traumatic brain injury on children, families

"The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a Report to Congress on The Management of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in Children, detailing the impact a TBI can have on children and their families.

The report identifies gaps in care, outlines opportunities for action to reduce the gaps, and highlights policy strategies to address the short and long-term consequences of a TBI. The report also highlights:

• TBI management as children transition into adulthood;
• challenges in accessing pediatric specialists to ensure best care;
• research to support management and outcomes; and
• the importance of long-term monitoring of children to better understand adult outcomes and how TBIs at specific developmental periods affect post-TBI outcomes.

Congress directed CDC to compile the Report to Congress (RTC) to review the burden of TBI in children, identify gaps in systems of care, and present recommendations for improving outcomes in this vulnerable population..."
Traumatic Brain Injury