TBI: The Invisible Injury

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is not like any other injury. Sadly, because many of the symptoms of mild to moderate traumatic brain injury are subtle, and because the injury commonly avoids detection on our most sophisticated hospital imaging equipment, it is common for victims to go undiagnosed. This is especially so in the emergency room.

Due to the invisible nature of the injury, victims of traumatic brain injury only rarely receive prompt treatment for their physical and cognitive impairment. Not uncommonly, victims' early medical charts are devoid of any mention of "head injury" or "cognitive impairment". It is only later, if lucky, that a health care professional validates the victim's injury, and treatment finally begins.

Based on modern studies, it is likely that the annual incidence of new head injuries treated in hospitals in this country is 400 per 100,000 patients treated. Accordingly, more than 1,000,000 new head injuries are treated in hospitals each year. Even these studies, however, ignore the numerous cases of mild traumatic brain injury in which the patient is never hospitalized.

The Center for Disease Control and Injury Prevention (CDC) now estimates that there are 5.3 million children and adults living with the consequences of sustaining a traumatic brain injury in the United States. This number represents nearly 2% of the population.

TBI or Traumatic Brain Injury does not discriminate. It can happen to a child or adult of any age, gender, race, religion, or socio economic status. The risk of TBI or Traumatic Brain Injury is highest among adolescents, young adults and persons over the age of 75. In comparing the national prevalence rate for TBI or Traumatic Brain Injury with other more commonly cited and discussed disabilities, it is easily understood why TBI or Traumatic Brain Injury is often referred to as the "silent epidemic."

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