Recent statistics show that over 1.5 million Canadians are living with the consequences of acquired brain injuries, and yet it still is a rarely spoken about topic. Further research on the matter has brought up statistics which show that each year, 160,000 people suffer from brain injuries, half of which stem from falls and involvement in a motor vehicle collision. Furthermore, acquired brain injury is also the leading cause of late onset disability in both children and adults.

The best way to stop acquired brain injuries is to teach people how to prevent them. And the best way to get people to protect themselves with these measures, is to teach them about the serious consequences that come with such injuries.

What constitutes as an acquired brain injury?

When we talk about brain injury in general, we are talking about any injury to the brain, including those resulting from degenerative and congenital diseases. An acquired brain injury, however, only refers to brain injuries which were sustained after birth.When people here brain injury, they often think of traumatic brain injuries which are often sustained during motor vehicle collisions, physical assault, and falls. Traumatic brain injury can also stem from gunshot wounds and brain surgery.

Trauma, however, is not the only source for acquired brain injuries. Strokes, seizures, heart attacks, tumors, substance abuse, asphyxiation, and carbon monoxide poisoning, among others, can also lead to brain injury. A personal injury lawyer in Burlington knows how traumatic it can be and that is why they help you file a claim.

Are concussions considered to be an acquired brain injury?

Since concussions are the result of a head trauma, they fall into the category of traumatic brain injuries, and are thus also classified as an acquired brain injury. Upon impact to the head, the brain will also jerk within the skull which ultimately results in the true damage. Obtaining a quick diagnosis is vital so the patient knows to give their brain time to heal.

Over recent years, concerns in regards to sports-related concussions have been brought up more and more frequently. This is because new statistics have brought attention to the increase of concussions diagnosed among children and teens. From all patients between the ages of ten and eighteen who were brought in for sports-related injuries, thirty-nine percent were later discharged with a concussion diagnosis.

Symptoms of concussion can include nausea, headaches, dizziness, impaired vision, forgetfulness, and amnesia, among others. Since these symptoms aren’t necessarily accompanied by visible signs of trauma, such as lacerations or bruising, concussions can be difficult to diagnose.