DC in Top 10 for Traumatic Brain Injury Hospitalization and Death

An unusual and disturbing trend is taking place in Washington DC: the rates of traumatic brain injury (TBI) are shockingly high. The Department of Health in DC found that the TBI fatality and hospitalization rates are the 6th highest in the country.

Unfortunately, DC is not alone. In America, more than 2.8 million individuals experience a traumatic brain injury every year. A large number of those affected (more than 30,000) are children, and these injuries can counteract usual development and positive performance in their school lives. In the country, traumatic brain injuries played a part in 3 of 10 deaths that occur because of injuries. Traumatic brain injuries can be caused by car accidents, falls, or being hit on the head.

Efforts in DC to Help Individuals Suffering from a TBI

In DC, the issue is so prevalent that a program exists specifically to help those who suffer from brain injuries and their loved ones. The Traumatic Brain Injury Program also seeks to encourage a deeper understanding and public awareness of the problems that traumatic brain injury can cause those living in the District.

In the past, the TBI Program in DC has conducted resource and needs evaluations for those living with TBI and put together a plan that outlined goals that can help increase services and support for them. The evaluation found that certain areas could benefit from improvement and expansion in order to offer the level of service and support that kids and young adults were truly in need of. They committed to focusing on these areas, specifically to increase the availability of the delivery system for kids and individuals who needed services and support in DC.

Physical and Emotional Effects of TBI

Those who suffer from a TBI are going through more than just healthcare treatment expenses and physical consequences. It is not uncommon for those with a TBI to experience a lower quality of life. Psychological effects of traumatic brain injury can be equally damaging. It is much more difficult for those with a traumatic brain injury to finish school, go back to work, or participate in hobbies they used to enjoy. These occur because a traumatic brain injury can impact a person's behavioral function, cognitive function, sensory function, and motor functions.

Suffering and pain are often effects that linger after the injury and can cause extreme headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Emotional issues such as anxiety, depression, and anger can also occur after a traumatic brain injury due to the emotional reaction and the physical differences in the brain.

A study by the University of California found that head injuries could cause the risk of severe brain disorders later on in life. This research provides us with more awareness in terms of the long-term aftermath of traumatic brain injuries. Though it’s imperative to reduce the rates of traumatic brain injuries taking place at all, it’s also crucial to understand the possible effects and to help reduce additional injury for those in DC and also throughout the world.