The brain controls everything we say, do, think, and feel. It controls the very functions that keep us alive: breathing, circulation, digestion, hormones, and the immune system. It is through the brain that we experience emotion and express ourselves.
“Weighing less than sixteen hundred grams (three pounds) the human brain in its natural state resembles nothing so much as a soft, wrinkled walnut. Yet despite this inauspicious appearance, the human brain can store more information than all the libraries in the world. It is also responsible for our most primitive urges, our loftiest ideals, the way we think, even the reason why, on some occasions, we sometimes don’t think, but act instead.” - From The Brain by Richard Restak, M.D.
Definitions and Causes
Brain injury refers to an injury in which an insult to the brain causes damage to the brain. Because of the fact that each injury does damage to a different part of the brain, every brain injury is unique.
Brain injuries are often described as either traumatic or acquired based on the cause of the injury.
The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) has developed the following definitions:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an insult to the brain, not of a degenerative or congenital nature, which is caused by an external physical force that may produce a diminished or altered state of consciousness, and which results in an impairment of cognitive abilities or physical functioning. It can also result in the disturbance of behavioral or emotional functioning.
Traumatic brain injuries occur during everyday activities, including: falls, motor vehicle crashes, assaults, and sports injuries, including concussions.
- Acquired brain injury (ABI) is an injury to the brain that is not hereditary, congenital or degenerative.
Acquired brain injuries are caused by some medical conditions, including strokes, encephalitis, aneurysms, anoxia (lack of oxygen during surgery, drug overdose, or near drowning), metabolic disorders, meningitis, or brain tumors.
Although the causes of brain injury differ, the effects of these injuries on a person’s life are quite similar.
Results of a brain injury
Whatever the cause, a brain injury can, according to the Brain Injury Association of America, result in “an impairment of cognitive abilities or physical functioning. It can also result in the disturbance of behavioral or emotional functioning.” Cognitive consequences can include memory loss, slowed ability to process information, trouble concentrating, organizational problems, poor judgment and difficulty initiating activities. Physical consequences can include seizures, muscle spasticity, fatigue, headaches and balance problems. Emotional/behavioral consequences can include depression, mood swings, anxiety, impulsivity and agitation.
Brain injury affects not only the individual, but also the family, close friends, coworkers and other social networks of the individual. Roles and relationships change. The financial ramifications may be extensive.
The silent epidemic
Brain injury has been called the “silent epidemic” because public recognition of brain injury is extremely low despite the staggering number of people who are injured each year.
The effects of brain injury are often invisible to an unknowing observer. Likewise, the visible effects of brain injury—such as physical impairment, behavioral issues, and even cognitive deficits—are often not properly attributed to brain injury.
Over 1.4 million people in the United States sustain traumatic brain injuries each year, but only one sixth of them are admitted to hospitals. This number does not include people with acquired brain injuries. The annual incidence of TBI alone is higher than that of breast cancer, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury and HIV/AIDS combined.
TBI in the United States
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2004):
- 1.4 million Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury every year.
- Each year, approximately 80,000 - 90,000 Americans experience the onset of long-term disability following TBI.
- More than 50,000 people die every year as a result of TBI.
For additional national statistics, visit the CDC website: http://www.cdc.gov/ncipc/tbi/TBI.htm
TBI in New Jersey
According to the New Jersey Department of Health & Senior Services’ Center for Health Statistics:
- Each year in New Jersey there are nearly 9,000 traumatic brain injuries (TBI), resulting in hospitalization or death. This does not include the brain injuries that are treated in emergency departments and outpatient settings or those that go untreated.
- Approximately 10% of these TBIs are fatal.
- Leading causes of TBI in New Jersey are falls, motor vehicle crashes, assaults and self-inflicted injury. Historically, the leading cause has been vehicle crashes (including automobiles, bicycles, and recreational vehicles). However, in 2003, falls became the leading cause of TBI in New Jersey, responsible for more than 20% more TBIs than vehicle crashes.
- TBI rates are higher among men for all major causes. The rate of TBI for males is nearly twice that of females for motor vehicle injures and 54% higher for falls.
For additional state statistics, visit the Center for Health Statistics website:
More About Brain Injury
The Brain Injury Association of New Jersey maintains an Information & Resources Helpline that can provide more detailed information about brain injury, including articles on brain injury. To learn more, please contact one of our Information and Resources Specialists, at the Family Help Line, 1-800-669-4323, the main Association number 732-745-0200, or visit the Contact Us page to send us an email. You may also borrow books and videos on brain injury free of charge from our library. For a complete listing of books and videos available, visit our Library Page. The Brain Injury Association of New Jersey also has a collection of free publications on brain injury. For a complete listing of publications, visit our Publications Page.
Our national organization, the Brain Injury Association of America also has an extensive website, www.biausa.org, with more information about the causes of brain injury, statistics, consequences, numerous resources and links.