Facts about Head Injury

Over 1.5 million people suffer from head injuries and brain trauma every year. Sadly, 1 out of every 6 victims dies because of a lack of optimal care during the ‘Golden Hour’, the period immediately after an accident. The 201st Report of the Law Commission states, “According to doctors, at least 50% of the fatalities can be averted if victims are admitted to a hospital within the first hour post the accident.”India is where 60% of TBI cases are caused the road accidents, and the victims are usually pedestrians and motorcyclists. Other causes of TBI are everyday mishaps, assaults and sports injuries; in all these cases TBI can range in severity from concussion to coma.

What is Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

Traumatic Brain Injury occurs when a sudden jolt or blow to the head causes damage to the brain. The severity of TBI can range from mild (a concussion) to severe (a coma). A concussion may cause temporary confusion and a headache, whereas a severe case can be fatal.

The skull and the brain are similar to an egg shell and yolk. Even if the shell doesn’t crack, the yolk can move about within. Extra padding like helmets can prevent the shell from cracking thus helping avoid internal injuries.