A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association concluded that Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)-related ER visits are on the rise. The study involved analyzing national trends regarding TBI-linked ER visits.
Possible Reasons for TBI-Related ER Visits
Though the number of ER visits seems to be on the rise, the study did note that this number could be up because of the increased awareness around TBI. High-profile brain injury lawsuits, such as the lawsuit faced by the NFL, and the recent $30 million collaborative NCAA study on TBI have greatly aided in making the public aware of the issue.
The study analyzes data from the Nationwide Emergency Department Sample (NEDS) database, focusing on brain-related injuries. The database provided a wide range of information from patient demographics to injury severity and associated injuries. Researchers found that between 2006 and 2010, TBI-related ER visits increased almost 30 percent, from 637 visits per 100, 000 in 2006 to 822 visits per 100, 000 in 2010. The number of overall ER visits during the time also increased slightly, by 3.6 percent.
While athletes are generally the first victims to come to mind when thinking of TBI, the study showed a much different perspective. Many of the TBI cases documented centered on children younger than three years old and adults older than 60 years. Luckily, the majority of these were minor injuries.
Traumatic brain injury carries the risk of long-term health problems. Though the study revealed that the majority of TBI –related ER visits were minor in nature, there may still be long-reaching and unknown consequences. Those who participate in sports are certainly more subjective to potential TBI as well as repeated TBI which can cause severe, long-term problems. The researchers noted that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) calls traumatic brain injury, “a serious public health concern.” Luckily, researchers and the public are starting to take notice.
TBI, as the research has shown, is a growing problem. Those who have suffered from TBI due to the negligence of another should know their legal rights and options. Because TBI can have long-term health consequences, overwhelming medical expenses are a very real potential issue. Thus, if you or a loved one have suffered a TBI due to the negligence or recklessness of another, it is important to seek the expert legal advice of experienced personal injury lawyers, like those at Barber and Associates, LLC Law Firm in Alaska. Specializing in TBI cases, the lawyers at Barber and Associates, LLC can eloquently explain your rights, as well as help you navigate through your options to choose the best fit for your unique case.