Traumatic Brain Injuries

Cheerleading and Traumatic Brain Injury in NJ

2010-01-30T13:25:00.000-08:00

Cheerleading and Traumatic Brain Injury

Who knew cheerleading could be so dangerous?

According to a study released last year by the National Center for Catastrophic Sports Injury Research, 67 of the 103 fatal, disabling or serious injuries recorded among high school female athletes occurred in cheerleading. In some instances, cheerleading is more dangerous than football.

In another study done by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, cheerleading has the second highest rate for concussions and traumatic brain injuries in high school sports, behind only football.

Cheerleading is way beyond pom poms and now includes dare devil-like aerial gymnastic stunts with a tower of synchronized limbs dancing high in the air. One misstep can cause impact with hard surfaces and no emergency plan in place.

When gone awry there is impact of collision, whiplash-like injuries, blurred vision, migraine headaches, prescription medication, concussions, unconsciousness, nausea, split ear drums, orthopedic injuries, memory loss, depression and worse death.

What a tragedy for a teenage girl to be in her prime only to be struck down by a preventable cheerleading traumatic brain injury accident.

Teen Sports Injuries and Traumatic Brain Injury

2009-09-22T12:45:00.000-07:00

A 13-year-old boy was injured while playing in a junior high football game. His traumatic brain injury led to the passage earlier this year of the nation's most rigorous law protecting young athletes from severe brain injuries.

The new law requires clearance from a licensed medical professional, which includes certified athletic trainers, before a student-athlete who has sustained a concussion can return to the playing field. Coaches should not be allowed to make those determinations.

The boy was injured while playing football in 2006 when he suffered a concussion toward the end of the first half of a game. He was twice returned to play and 60 seconds after the game was over, he collapsed. Doctors later discovered he suffered a traumatic brain injury and was hemorrhaging.

He was in a coma for months and required intensive therapy before able to eat on his own or speak. Now, he remains in a wheelchair.

The lawsuit settlement doesn't bring the boy's health and vitality back and he may never walk again. What the lawsuit settlement does is provide for needed assistance for his permanent disability, provide long-term care, and additional therapy without worrying whether or not it's affordable.

The school district did not agree to any wrongdoing.

The boy's family feels this traumatic brain injury was preventable.

Bill May Pass Coping with Military Traumatic Brain Injury

2009-07-29T14:25:00.000-07:00

A bill has been introduced that would improve treatment for active and retired military who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury and expand care to military families.

Rep. Betsy Markey, D-Colo., introduced the Honoring Our Nation's Obligations to Returning Warriors (HONOR) Act.

The act will offer counseling programs at community-based veterans centers for active duty, reservists, and National Guard combat veterans. Currently and unfortunately, those programs are unavailable to many returning soldiers.

According to the RAND Institute, an estimated 620,000 returning military members suffer from PTSD or traumatic brain injury or both.

War is hell and so is traumatic brain injury

2009-07-17T20:24:00.000-07:00

War is hell and so is traumatic brain injury.

20 percent of U.S. soldiers coming back from Afghanistan and Iraq have some form of mild traumatic brain injury caused by Humvee wrecks and roadside bombs.

Early detection helps but the symptoms can be tricky as they can sneak up months later in the form of headaches and nausea, dizziness, anxiety, forgetfulness, and being very angry.
Rather than being told to toughen up, they should be neurologically assessed.

The fortunate soldiers are being identified and placed in a 12 week therapy program which offers a good chance at recovery.

While doctors have gotten better at identifying and treating TBI, they still have trouble figuring out exactly when a soldier is ready to go back to war.

Actress Dies from Traumatic Brain Injury

2009-03-19T14:42:00.000-07:00

Natasha Richardson died from a head injury which occurred during a skiing lesson in Canada. The actress was not wearing a helmet.

After the fall, she felt fine and was kidding and joking with the staff but about an hour later, fell sick.

The world is shocked and this revives the argument for helmets during skiing.

The Elderly, Their Brains, and the Internet

2009-02-02T08:18:00.000-08:00

Internet browsing enhances middle aged to older people’s brain power.

A study said that elderly people who search the web have better controlled decision making and complex reasoning powers than their non Internet savvy neighbors. This activity has shown in a small control study that browsing the Web shrinks the cells that shrink the brain.

Move over reading and crossword puzzles. The aging population who gets their mouses (mice) going can increase brain power while staving off dementia.

Blogger’s note: If this study is true – I’m going to be a genius when I die!

Importance of traumatic brain injury rehabilitation

2009-01-29T19:59:00.000-08:00

Traumatic brain injury can be from a mild concussion from a blow to the head and more serious injuries where the brain bleeds or there is a loss of oxygen to the brain.

Rehabilitation is crucial to the best of outcomes. Rehabilitation starts by undergoing tests for a number of functions including behavioral, cognitive, motor, language, and executive. Depending on results, the patient's rehabilitation therapy is tailor-made to suit his needs. This is because everyone responds to therapy differently and heals at different rates. Therapy can include occupational, physical and language therapy plus support groups.

All rehabilitation techniques are geared towards ensuring a person to function productively both at home and as a member of society. This may include making modifications to their living space in order to easily perform everyday duties. Rehabilitation options range from at-home rehabilitation to inpatient rehabilitation centers.

Most importantly people with TBI should be surrounded by supportive family and friends who should also be part of support groups in order to help them through this crucial time. Patience is key to success.

Children with Traumatic Brain Injuries

2008-12-27T19:50:00.000-08:00

One mother's struggle with her child's traumatic brain injury creates a non-profit organization to help other families facing similar problems.

When Tracy Porter was dealing with her child's TBI, she struggled to find resources and support.

Brain injury is the most frequent cause of disability and death among children in the United States. Not only is the brain injury difficult for the child but it pulls on the heart strings of the family.

This is why Porter started Mothers Against Brain Injury with the mission to "to be the leading organization dedicated to providing hope, comfort and valuable information to families experiencing a traumatic brain injury with a loved one."

She provides tote bags filled with resources, comforting items, and support tools.

What a special person Porter must be. Kudos to her and her organization.

Count Your Blessings: TBI

2008-11-28T21:31:00.000-08:00

Here's one very good reason to wear a full face helmet while skateboarding: It can save your life.

A 17-year-old boy lost control of his skateboard and crashed into a moving vehicle. He was rushed to the hospital where he had a broken leg and swelling of the brain. No one thought he would live or survive the surgery but he did. He went on to relearn at an excelerated rate and didn't have to spend time in a rehab center. He still doesn't remember too much about the accident.

His family and friends were his rock and his salvation. He is one lucky teenager.

But you might not be as blessed.

He was rushed into the ER when there happened to be a neurologist on call, he was incoherent, he was in a coma, on a ventilator but now he's back to playing video games.

His parents are speaking out to other parents about the importance of full faced helmets and other safety measures. They have contacted skateboarding professionals urging them to use helmets and ask their fans to do likewise.

They have prayed for a full recovery and it looks like their prayers will be answered.

Traumatic Brain Injuries Past and Present

2008-11-11T15:50:00.000-08:00

The brain is an astonishing three-pound organ that is responsible for our basic survival and identity.

Unfortunately, it is very fragile. Cars, bullets, rods, and even a baseball can damage the brain, so can slips and falls from heights.

Historical Connection
It is a historical fact that ancient civilizations had remarkable knowledge about treating traumatic brain injuries. The Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus dated as far back to the 17th century B.C. is the oldest known surgical treatise discovered by man. This treatise is systematically written in an arrangement of cases beginning with injuries to the head and proceeding downward through the body. It is an amazing this ancient document contains lucid descriptions of the cranial sutures, the meninges, the external surfaces of the brain, and other parts.

There is also evidence that surgical repair of traumatic brain injuries was performed in ancient Greece. Physicians developed instruments for removing bone fragments from a fractured skull and for cutting holes in the skull to repair head wounds. The function of the human brain was well known by the Greek physician Hippocrates who believed that the brain was the source of feeling, awareness, and thought. Over the ages, treatment of traumatic brain injuries evolved dramatically. Recovery, however, is still very slow and often incomplete. Many individuals do not recover well enough to lead an independent life.

Consequences of Traumatic Brain Injuries, TBI

2008-11-06T11:47:00.000-08:00

What are the consequences of a traumatic brain injury?

When people think of a traumatic brain injury, they usually think of a serious bump on the head! While we all understand how dangerous brain injuries can be, not many of us realize the overall effects on a person. A brain injury is quite like a domino effect-- it will not only lead to other physical problems, but also might cause mental and emotional problems for the affected person.

A look at the traumatic brain injury statistics throws some very surprising numbers: In 2005, these brain injuries resulted in over 8,000 fatalities, mainly among people who were 65 years old or above. The most common cause for these injuries has been a fall and roughly 50% of these falls were unintentional. This is to be expected, since older people tend to have less control over their balance and motor faculties. But what is disturbing is brain injuries are often misdiagnosed, especially among the elderly. Studies have shown that a traumatic brain injury has long-term emotional, functional, and cognitive repercussions. They can also have psychological effects as well, with patients developing phobias about being alone or being near the places where they have fallen.

Researchers are also looking into accidents like breaking a hip or leg, as this too can have traumatic effects on a patient. They believe that it is the responsibility of caregivers, health care officials, and the community at large to help make the surroundings as fall-proof as possible for the elderly.

Teenagers and Traumatic Brain Injury

2008-11-01T11:45:00.000-07:00

Traumatic brain injury greatly impacts teenagers.

Teenagers face different issues with traumatic brain injury than pediatric brain injury or adult brain injury. Teens so desperately want to be part of the in-crowd that peer pressure plays a huge factor in a teen’s bravado and recklessness. Parental values may go out of sight and out of mind when it comes to underage drinking, alcohol abuse, and drug abuse.

The greatest risk of traffic accidents is among teenage drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), both male and female drivers ages 16 to 19 have greater traffic violations and crash rate of any other age group. Both drugs and alcohol impair good judgment which affects the teen driver, his or her passengers and innocent victims.

While most teens can program your cell phone in the blink of an eye, they have very little knowledge or understanding about the complexities of driving an automobile or motorcycle. Teens master a game-boy in minutes but fail to realize that it takes time, patience, and practice to master driving skills. Time and patient is an enigma to teens who have lived most of their lives as citizens of an instant gratification society.

A larger percentage of teen age driving crashes involve teenage drivers in single vehicle crashes where vehicles rollover because teens are speeding, texting, talking on cell phones, and not wearing their seat belts.
According to the NHTSA, in 2006 too many teens died behind the wheel.

In Pennsylvania – 336 teenagers died. 157 were drivers, 93 were passengers of other teen drivers, 63 were passengers in other vehicles not driven by teen drivers, and 23 were not occupants of vehicles but perhaps were hit by cars while walking or riding their bicycles.

In New Jersey – 123 teenagers died. 43 were the drivers, 31 were passengers of young drivers, 32 were passengers in other vehicles not driven by teen drivers, and 17 were not occupants of vehicles but perhaps were hit but cars while walking or riding their bicycles.

The majority die behind the wheel or as passengers to other young drivers. For teenagers, the risk of being in a crash increases by 3.6 when driving other teens. Also, the more passengers along for the ride -- the more risky that ride will be. More passengers mean more distractions and more dares to take risks especially for boys riding with boys. Driving to the store alone to pick up a gallon of milk for mom offers a much safer ride.

How Traumatic is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

2008-10-27T13:20:00.000-07:00

We all know that traumatic brain injuries are no laughing matter. Any injury to the brain or the head is like a big blow to the main system of the body, seriously impairing your ability to function normally. While it's quite possible to lead a normal life with a hurt arm or leg, it's just not the same with a head injury.

But aren't brain injuries rare? Don't they happen in only the worst kind of accidents?

The unfortunate answer is no -- in fact, statistics show quite a different picture. It's important to understand what traumatic brain injuries really are. They can be defined as any kind of injury that hampers the normal functioning of the brain. In some cases, this could be a very hard jolt or shake. Many people don't realize this fact because they think there should be some blood loss or a physical wound.

The severity of these injuries varies, with severe blows causing amnesia or a state of unconsciousness.

The actual traumatic brain injuries statistics are pretty sobering. Studies show that 1.4 million people sustain injuries every year. 50,000 of these cases have ended in death and worse, over 2,000 fatalities have been children. This doesn't take into account the number of people who don't seek or are unable to get medical attention. Right now, statistics show that most of these injuries are the result of falls and road accidents.

Research also shows that today there are nearly 5.3 million people who would need long-term assistance as a result of their traumatic brain injuries. Do you have a family member who is suffering from a traumatic brain injury?

Crib Recall after Two Infant Deaths

2008-10-21T10:50:00.000-07:00

Crib Recall after Two Infant Deaths

Over a million cribs are being recalled because of two infant deaths. The cribs were made by Delta Enterprise Corp and were manufactured from 1995 to 2005. Although no longer sold retail, they could still be in use and sold in thrift stores or yard sales.

The problem is with the hardware -- if not installed correctly.

One of the cribs uses a mechanism known as a spring peg to lower the crib side; this was made in China. Another crib under recall was made in Indonesia and Taiwan.

The crib recall website has photos and diagrams and will be happy to send you a repair kit.

The problem is getting the message out to everyone who has one of these cribs. It's conceivable that more infants will suffer traumatic brain injuries and or death because of the faulty crib mechanisms. If your infant or child has suffered a serious injury, a traumatic brain injury, or a wrongful death because of a negligent product, you may be eligible for a lawsuit. Please contact Monheit Law for your personal no-cost consultation.

Caring for Someone that Suffers a Traumatic Brain Injury

2008-10-02T13:26:00.000-07:00

There will be costs and complexities associated with TBI care.

Bill Mantlo was one of the most prolific comic book writers on the 1980's. After getting hit by a car while rollerblading, Mantlo fell and suffered a major head injury. This traumatic brain injury left him comatose for many months. While he did come out of the coma he never regained full mental function. Currently, he is being cared for in an institutional setting. This is a frightening example of what can happen in the aftermath of a traumatic brain injury.

While the brain injuries that reach this level of severity are rare, they do occur. In the aftermath of such a tragedy, there will be many complexities associated with the care of the injured party. As Bill Mantlo's case shows, in addition to immediate medical care extensive, "round the clock" follow up care may be required. Such care could be required over the lifetime of the injured person. After all, if the injured party is not able to take care of himself someone then a professional caretaker's services will be needed. In severe cases, the injured person may be placed in an institution. Of course, there will be significant bills associated with such care.

The course, this brings about the question "who will pay for the care?" If the injured party does not have the finances to handle such costs, then there will be a need to sue for damages. This is why it is important to consult an attorney in regards to seeking compensation from the negligible party. Again, such care is very expensive and the burden of the costs really should be placed on the individual. A qualified traumatic brain injury attorney can be very helpful in this regard. A meeting with such an attorney would be highly advised since it may lead to being able to afford the expensive and necessary care required for such severe injuries.

Incredible Cost of Traumatic Brain Injuries

2008-09-24T19:57:00.000-07:00

An examination of the stress of a traumatic brain injury is provided.

There are a number of additional treatments that are necessary for people who suffered a traumatic brain injury. Often, when it comes to these injuries most people assume that the main expense for a traumatic brain injury is the medical expenses required for effective treatment. And, yes, there are significant medical expenses required. That is why people seek damages in lawsuits. However, medical expenses are not the only costs associated with dealing with recovery from traumatic brain injuries.

Many of these damages are designed to cover the loss of income people suffer while recuperating. Keep in mind, the potential loss of income while recuperating from traumatic brain injury can be significant. That is why seeking damages to recover a loss of income can never be taken lightly. But, this is not the only reason for seeking damages. Actually, the volume of costs is due to the potentially significant financial costs associated with the aftermath of a traumatic brain injury. There will be expenses no one would even think of until they are actually dealing with these expenses.

Depending upon the severity of the traumatic brain injury, a great deal of expense might go into relearning motor skills. If the brain has been injured severely, is not uncommon that a person must learn once again how to walk. Some may assume this is an extreme example, but it isn't. Depending upon the severity of the traumatic brain injury the ramifications for the injury on the human body are enormous. Sadly, this comes with a great deal of expense. Some may not appreciate the seriousness of the situation until facing a similar situation.

Traumatic Brain Injuries Can Occur Over Time

2008-09-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

TBI's can be the result of a cumulative effect and not a singular incident

Are you an avid sports player? If so, have you suffered any injuries? In particular, have you had to deal with a concussion or, worse, multiple concussions? If you have, there may be cause for alarm as these injuries are hardly minor. There are a number of serious side effects that can result from injuries to the head region. Cognitive function might become limited, narcolepsy can result, and even developing a mental illness is possible. Yet, many people who suffer from such injuries are unaware the injuries have even occurred.

Contrary to popular belief, the side effects of traumatic brain injury do not necessarily develop after one incident. That is, while a sharp unexpected blow to the head can cause a traumatic brain injury instantaneously, it is not impossible for brain degeneration to develop over a period of time as well. This can be the result of a repeated collection of minor injuries.

This gradual development of brain trauma is more frequent in many assume.
Probably the most common example of this would be individuals who suffer a series of concussions or head traumas. While each individual instance may seem "minor" the collective effect is extremely dangerous. When these individuals are examined under a cat scan the image may literally show a series of black spots on the brain. These black spots are where the brain tissue has died. Needless to say, anyone who suffers such traumatic brain injuries may experience a degrading of their cognitive function. But, since the injuries occur gradually, the afflicted will not seek proper treatment for their injuries. Many times, they are completely unaware their brain injuries are even serious.

This is why it is important to never take it any head injury lightly. If you suffer from any such trauma to the head, it is important to have a medical examination right away. This way any serious problems will be diagnosed immediately and proper care can be undertaken.

Effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries

2008-09-16T10:18:00.000-07:00

TBI can cause many serious problems to a person's health

What harm can a bump on the head do?

Is it really a big deal to get hit on the head? Yes, because it is not out of the question for someone who suffers a minor head injury to suffer a multitude of complications including major paralysis.
Often, a minor head injury could later need to a major problem. For example, you could be riding your bicycle when the bike hits an obstruction on the road. After flying off your bike and hitting your head you feel quite woozy. However, it does not seem like anything all that bad has happened.

Of course, the operative word here is "seem". Within the span of a couple days, however, you discover that your problems are far worse than you initially imagined. While sitting in a chair watching television you suffer a stroke. The stroke was a direct result of the brain injury and the stroke later leads to partial paralysis. Once again it is important to note that no traumatic brain injury - no matter how seemingly minor - should ever be taken lightly.

Strokes, seizures, and other mental problems may result due to a traumatic brain injury. And, of course, there come a number of expenses with the treatment and care dealing with these conditions. In the previous example of the bike accident, if the obstruction was placed in the road, negligence then there may be the basis for a lawsuit present.

What if city employees were working on fixing the road and left equipment strewn about? That is obviously negligence. Hence, the city could be held liable for damages. This would necessitate the need for a lawyer who is versed in brain injuries, accidents, and highway or road safety litigation.

Thankfully, there are those multi talented lawyers who can handle such complex cases.

Traumatic Brain Injuries and the Elderly

2008-09-16T09:19:00.000-07:00

Older people can be more susceptible to traumatic brain injuries.

Regarding traumatic brain injuries, there is a slight misconception regarding who is most prone to such an injury.

Some may assume people who are involved with active hobbies and professions are at the most risk. In general, active people and professional sportsmen understand the risks inherent to their pursuits and take proper precautions. That means their level of awareness to avoiding situations that could cause an injury is heightened. (A football player, for example, understands that there are other players on the field looking to tackle him so he develops awareness to aiding in limiting impact) This reduces the chances of injury.

Of course, no one can prevent every potential impact to the brain.

This is why they wear protective gear. So, even when professional sportsmen do take direct impact to the head, the chance of an injury is reduced.

So, who really is at the most risk for traumatic brain injuries?

Without a doubt, it is the elderly who are most susceptible to such an injury. This is because the elderly people who have limited mobility are susceptible to falls. As a result, they can injure their cranial region as a result of a fall. Since this happens when they move about in their daily lives they are not wearing any protective gear that might prevent a serious injury. This is why constant attention must be given to elderly individuals to prevent the onset of a potential traumatic brain injury.

Of course, there will be certain instances where watching out for an elderly person is impossible.

But, when an elderly person is in the care of a nursing home then they should be under constant watchful eye. If not, then there is increased potential to slip fall and hurt them. Often, when the patient of a nursing home falls and suffers a head injury, it is the result of negligence, nursing home abuse, or lack of oversight on the part of the nursing home.

In such an instance, then the nursing home may be held liable for any injuries that occur.

How Traumatic Brain Injuries Sometimes Occur?

2008-09-03T08:23:00.000-07:00

TBI's can occur from some lesser known causes.

What are the most common ways an individual suffers a traumatic brain injury? If you were to say impact you would be correct. When the head slams into an object it would not be unreasonable to assume that a concussion or other form of traumatic brain injury may result. However, this would not be the only means in which someone suffers a traumatic brain injury. That is to say, severe injury can occur to the brain even if there is no impact.

Unfortunately, most people are unaware that brain injuries can occur from harsh shaking or a whiplash like injury. Imagine being rear ended in a car accident. Your head jerks forwards and backwards and then you feel a slight stinging in your neck. However, the pain goes away you assume that no harm has been done. Well, there might not have been much harm inflicted on the ligaments in your neck. The condition of your brain, however, is a different story. The reality is you may have suffered a severe brain injury that may not reveal itself until later. This is because when your head if jerked forwards and backwards the brain may literally bounce against the skull.

This is unfortunate because the side effects of a traumatic brain injury are severe. That is why treatment for brain injuries needs to be undertaken as soon as possible. When treatment is delayed a number of problems can result. For example, problems such as blackouts and vertigo are common with brain injuries. Yet, many people may not even know that a brain injury is the reason for such symptoms. (Perhaps because the actual brain injury may have happened weeks earlier) This is why whenever you suffer any type of impact, whip lashing, or even piercing is critical to have an examination undertaken as soon as humanely possible.

Alcohol Abuse and Brain Damage

2008-08-23T08:42:00.000-07:00

Did you know that drinking too much alcohol can cause permanent brain damage?

Researchers believe that deficiencies in insulin and the loss of brain cells ability to respond to insulin are important factors leading to brain damage including Alzheimer's disease and dementia. Concentrated amounts of alcohol negatively impact insulin.

Previous animal and tissue research showed that alcohol-related damage causes insulin to become less accommodating.

In a study of 50-something year old men, with chronic alcoholics’ brains, there was insulin resistance. The loss of insulin was associated with loss of brain cells to connect to learning, memory, and motor skills. This directly related to poor balance and increased falling and trauma seen frequently in alcoholics.

People are under the impression that alcohol abuse damages the liver but over time heavy drinking permanently damages the brain and causes dementia.

Source: Science Daily

Life and Times of a Brain Injury Survivor

2008-08-15T09:52:00.000-07:00

This is about a man who had the ripe young age of 23 received an acquired traumatic brain injury in a head on car crash while wearing a seatbelt in the back seat of a car. He also had a spinal cord injury, broken lower back, and stroke on the right side of his brain and many parts of his brain.

His short-term memory is impaired. He also has muscle weakness, balance problems, tremors, fatigue, dizziness, and speech problems.

He took computer classes at the local college and managed to get A’s even if it took him longer to master than other students.

So a person with a brain injury uses the “whatever it takes model.” This model is used for rehab. The concept is just what it says: use whatever it takes for rehab.

What works for one person might not work for another person in rehab.

He attends conferences, has been on radio and TV, participated in workshops and panels to help other survivors of brain injury. He has been interviewed for numerous articles about brain injuries and even got some federal income tax changes for people with disabilities.

People with brain injuries don’t know what they can or cannot do until they try.

Source: BC Local News

Sports Equipment and Traumatic Brain Injuries

2008-08-05T06:43:00.000-07:00

Sports equipment needs to be properly maintained to protect players from injury.

Traumatic brain injuries are hardly problems to be taken lightly. When an individual sufferers such a brain injury, the end result could have a major impact on the person's life. Even tasks that were at one time simple to perform may become increasingly difficult if the traumatic brain injury is debilitating enough. Therefore, it is critical that an individual take as many precautions as necessary to avoid head injuries. When it comes to playing contact sports this is made doubly difficult. After all, if you are in a sport that involves impact mild (or severe) brain trauma may occur. This is why it is critical that all equipment used in sports is properly maintained.

If you become involved in a hobbyist sport then you have a reasonable expectation that the equipment provided will be properly maintained. For example, if you belong to a local softball league you will be required to wear a batting helmet. The reason for this is that if the ball hits the batter in the head and the injury that may result will be minimal. However, the protection afforded to the individual will be undermined if the batting helmets are cracked, of low quality, or embody a great deal of wear and tear.

Remember, in the above scenario, it is the responsibility of the league to make sure that the player's safety is maintained. When the league does not do this and an injury is the result, there may be a case made for liability. Again, faulty batting helmets can lead to serious brain injuries. So, it would be unwise to let the liable party off the hook considering severe nature of such injuries. After all, someone needs to take responsibilities for the costs associated with negligently causing a traumatic brain injury. This is just a single example, but the notion that liability goes hand in hand with providing improper equipment is "universal" regardless of what sport you play or what activity you are involved.

Simple Injection May Aid Brain Trauma Victims

2008-08-03T08:41:00.000-07:00

A study reported in the Journal of Biological Engineering report that researchers in the United States have developed a treatment in injection form that treats brain injuries due to blunt force trauma.

Researchers say that the injury can be minimized with a simple polymer application or polyethylene glycol in mixed with water and injected into the blood stream.

The researchers performed the experiment on rats and damage was limited when the injection was given within four hours of the head injury. The longer the wait, the less effective it was.This injection could be delivered at the scene of the crash to reduce long term brain injury.

It Takes a Village to Support Traumatic Brain Injury

2008-07-30T09:51:00.000-07:00

Traumatic brain injury impacts a person more than just medically. Vocational rehabilitation is required as is mental health and emotional needs support. No one organization can handle it all which is why many organizations have to come together to support each other, the patient, and the patient’s family.

A big problem is that many people don’t know they qualify for care. The local Utah Veterans Administration invited federal and state agencies, community organizations and healthcare providers to find out who does what and so the various agencies can find out what other agencies do. Coming soon is a directory of services available for people with TBI and their families and caregivers. The VA will start screening veterans during their first three visits for traumatic brain injuries.

Source: http://www.kcpw.org/article/6209