While many people in Rhode Island have heard of traumatic brain injury, there is still often confusion about what the term means and how to identify it. The causes and symptoms may be different than many expect, making it important for everyone to be educated about this deadly condition.

While the extensiveness of TBI can range from severe to mild, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has reported that the results can be deadly. There are 138 people killed each day in the United States as a result of brain injuries, and several thousand more will have to live with lasting consequences from the event.

While a TBI can happen to anyone, researchers have noticed some patterns. Those over age 65 were the most likely to be hospitalized or die from traumatic brain injuries. Women were also three times more likely to survive a TBI than men and females required less hospitalization. Falls were the leading cause of brain injuries and related deaths among almost all age groups.

The Mayo Clinic states that there are many different ways that brain injuries can occur. Some of the most common include injuries sustained during sporting activities, falls, violence and vehicle accidents. Military personnel TBIs often come from the blasts of explosions. While blows and impact to the head may be an obvious one, severe spinning jolts and rotations cause internal structures to tear inside the skull. Tears can also cause bleeding, which can cut off the brain's oxygen supply and create blood clots. This will often lead to additional damage beyond the initial impact. Penetration from an object can also cause bleeding and may irreparably damage the brain and surrounding tissues.