New Jersey residents might have concerns if they read a report that stated that brain injuries contribute to one-third of injury-related deaths occurring the United States. Some cases also result in permanent disabilities for the ones still alive. The Centers for Disease Control says that approximately 2.5 million traumatic brain injuries, many of which were concussions, occurred nationwide in 2010.
A TBI is an event that disrupts the brain's standard functions, such as a blow or a jolt to the head, or even penetration. In some cases, a person might lose unconscious and remain unresponsive for a short time, or the person might simply have a change in mental state for a time. In more severe situations, the individual may become unresponsive for a long while or suffer memory loss. Coordination problems can also occur, and people might experience severe mood swings, increased anxiety, psychosis and behavioral problems. Some sufferers might also experience long-term bouts of depression.
Physicians believe that treating depression following a TBI should be comprehensive and similar to that of a major depressive disorder. While rehabilitation and drug therapy are of the same importance, drugs such as antipsychotics and benzodiazepines should be avoided since they impair the brain's functions.
The CDC states that children up to age 14 account for nearly a half a million emergency room visits for TBI. Many brain injury victims might recover and live a normal life. However, it might take significant time and costly rehabilitation. If an injury was caused by third-party negligence, whoever was injured could consider taking legal steps to seek payment for medical expenses.