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.