Over the past several years, more attention has been given to just how dangerous head injuries can be and the importance of not only prevention, but also seeking out medical help when there is a head injury. This increase in public health campaigns and other efforts geared at educating the public on the seriousness of head injuries may be the reason behind the spike in emergency room visits for traumatic brain injuries.
A study conducted by researchers at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine was recently published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. The findings of this study, and realizing the seriousness of brain injuries, are important not only for residents in Georgia, but those living all across the country.
The data for this study came from the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample database, which tracks information for more than 950 U.S. medical centers. From here it was found that between the years of 2006 and 2010, there were roughly 138 million visits to emergency departments in these centers. Of those visits, 1.7 percent of patients were diagnosed with having a traumatic brain injury.
According to the study, between 2006 and 2010 there was a 30 percent increase in the number of emergency department visits for brain injuries. The thought is this increase may be due to people being more aware of the fact that injuries to the head should always be taken seriously.
In talking about brain injuries, it is important to realize the very seriousness nature of these types of injuries. While much of the focus tends to be on the link found between a traumatic brain injury and stroke or dementia, a brain injury may also fall under the category of mental disability. Depending on the severity, those with brain injuries may find themselves no longer able to support themselves or their families.
For those living in Georgia with a brain injury, know that help may be available. In these types of situations, know that a Social Security disability attorney can look at the specifics of a person’s case and possibly help to make a connection between the injury and why someone is unable to work.
Source: CBS News, “ER visits for traumatic brain injury spike 30 percent,” Jessica Firger, May 13, 2014
