Lesión cerebral traumática in Seattle, Washington is a significant public health concern. According to a study conducted in King County, the estimated incidence of traumatic brain injuries in children 0 to 17 years of age was 304 cases per 100,000 child-years. The highest incidence was among preschool-aged children, while the lowest was among children aged 5 to 9 years old. Boys were most likely to suffer traumatic brain injuries, with falls being the main cause. Fortunately, close to 97% of traumatic brain injury cases were mild, although older victims were more likely to suffer from moderate to severe injuries.
In 2020, there were approximately 214,110 hospitalizations related to traumatic brain injuries. In 2021, there were 69,473 deaths. This represents more than 586 hospitalizations and 190 deaths per day. These numbers do not include traumatic brain injuries treated solely in the emergency department, primary care, or urgent care. It also does not include those that go untreated.
People over the age of 75 had the highest numbers of hospitalizations and deaths related to traumatic brain injuries. This age group accounts for about 32% of hospitalizations and 28% of deaths. Males were nearly twice as likely as women to be hospitalized (79.9 age-adjusted rate versus 43.7) and three times more likely to die from traumatic brain injuries (28.3 versus 8.4).
Effects of Brain Injuries
Brain injuries can cause various effects, depending on the location and severity of the injury. They include:
- Cognitive impairments. A brain injury can cause memory problems and attention and concentration issues: It can also be hard to make decisions or solve problems.
- Motor skills impairments. A person with a brain injury may have difficulty with balance and coordination. They may also have problems with fine and gross motor skills, such as making precise or large muscle movements.
- Sensory changes. A brain injury can affect the senses, causing blurred vision or double vision, hearing loss, and a diminished sense of taste and smell.
- Communication difficulties. Brain injuries can cause speech and language problems. They can also impair a person’s ability to use or comprehend words.
- Emotional and behavioral changes. Brain injuries can affect behavior, causing mood changes, anxiety, depression, and impulsive behavior.
- Fatigue. Those with brain injuries are likely to suffer from sleep disturbances. They get fatigued, they are easily tired, and they are likely to have difficulty sleeping.
- Headaches. Many people become more sensitive to stimuli after a traumatic brain injury. They become sensitive to light and sound and may have recurrent headaches.
- Changes in personality. A person may also develop changes in personality. They may have shifts in behavior or preferences. They could develop new interests.
Contact Us Today
Brain injuries are medical issues that can affect a person for life. An injury to the brain can permanently affect many parts of the body.
Injured by someone else’s negligence? The Seattle personal injury lawyers at Premier Law Group can assess your brain injury case. Schedule a free consultation today by filling out the online form or calling or texting (206) 880-7437. Our office is available 24/7.