There are an estimated 1.7 million people who sustain a TBI annually in the United States alone. Of those injured, almost 80 percent are treated and released from an emergency department and most of those are for concussions.

What is a concussion? We have all heard of concussion and many of us (or our kids) have had one. A concussion is considered a mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head.  A concussion means that there has been change in the way your brain normally works. Concussions can also occur from a blow to the body that causes the head to move rapidly back and forth as seen in car accidents, falls and sports.

Even a mild bump or blow to the head can be dangerous and should be taken seriously. Concussions affect people of every age and can be very dangerous to children and older people.  Most concussions occur without loss of consciousness. Even if the concussion seems harmless, they need to be taken seriously.

How do you know if you or someone else has suffered a concussion? Some of the most common signs are:

• Headache or “pressure” in head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Balance problems or dizziness
• Double or blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light and/or noise
• Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy,
• Concentration or memory problems,
• Confusion and not “feeling right”
• Just because you can’t see a concussion or because someone doesn’t report the symptoms doesn’t mean that it’s not serious. Remember that while having one concussion may not be huge concern, concussions are cumulative and add up to more danger with each one.

If you are living with any kind of brain injury and home medical equipment, see Medi-Rents & Sales today. We are your home for everything from walkers and wheelchairs to CPAP and respiratory supplies.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Injury Prevention, the leading causes of TBI are:

• Falls (35.2%)

• Motor vehicle-traffic crashes (17.3%)

• Struck by/against events (16.5%)

• Assaults (10%)

How does the brain work? The brain is made of neurons (nerve cells). The neurons form tracts that route throughout the brain. These nerve tracts carry messages to various parts of the brain. The brain uses these messages to perform functions.

When a brain injury occurs, the functions of the neurons, nerve tracts, or sections of the brain can be affected. If the neurons and nerve tracts are affected, they can be unable or have difficulty carrying the messages that tell the brain what to do. This can change the way a person thinks, acts, feels, and moves the body. Brain injury can also change the complex internal functions of the body, such as regulating body temperature; blood pressure; bowel and bladder control. These changes can be temporary or permanent. They may cause impairment or a complete inability to perform a function.

Medi-Rents & Sales encourages safety and prevention of any kind of brain injury. Our online catalog features a wide range of home medical equipment to promote safety and prevention of injuries.

Learn more at the Brain Injury Association of America website or through our toll free National Brain Injury Information Center at 1.800.444.6443. You are not alone.

If you live in the Baltimore area and you or someone you care about is living with a brain injury, there are four support groups willing and able to help. Reach out today.