Traumatic brain injury is among the more subtle and difficult to diagnosis injuries seen in New Orleans personal injury accidents. Because the medical community is still learning about this condition, there are few full studies regarding its frequency.
According to an older study from the Louisiana Department of Health and Hospitals, 6,754 Louisiana residents were found to have suffered a traumatic brain injury from January 1, 2000 to December 31, 2001. The leading cause of these injuries was motor vehicle accidents, followed by falls and firearm-related injuries. Over half the individuals found to have suffered a traumatic brain injury were discharged home after suffering the injury.
The study also indicates that nearly one-third of those who suffered a traumatic brain injury died as a result of their injuries. It is unclear from the study itself how many of these deaths arose specifically from injury to the head or brain, as opposed to being the result of other injuries sustained in an accident. What is clear, given the high death rate, is that this earlier study may include more extreme forms of brain injury than are typically included in discussions of traumatic brain injury.
Nationally, it is estimated that at least 5.3 million people need long-term assistance in the performance of daily activities as a result of suffering a traumatic brain injury.
The reason it is so difficult to establish concrete numbers regarding the frequency of traumatic brain injury is because of the variety of symptoms that can arise from this type of injury – some of which may mimic those of other injuries. While changes in cognitive functioning and emotional response may ultimately be linked back to a brain injury, symptoms such as headaches and fatigue can arise from a variety of sources and may frequently be misdiagnosed.
While brain injuries may not be as easy to diagnose as most other injuries, their impact can be both long-term and life altering. If you have been involved in a personal injury accident and have any questions, we would be happy to answer them. We can be reached at (504) 581-6411.