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4 high-risk groups for traumatic brain injuries

On Behalf of | Jul 26, 2021 | Serious Injuries |

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is serious no matter how severe it is. Many people consider concussions to be mild injuries, for instance, but there is plenty of evidence that repeated concussions can lead to chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which can progress over time and may eventually be fatal.

But you do not need repeated trauma to have serious ramifications. A single TBI could lead to the loss of physical skills, loss of mental capacity, severe emotional changes and much more. If you’re involved in a car accident or some other major trauma event, and you strike your head, life may never be the same.

As such, it’s important to note that there are four high-risk age groups. Per the Mayo Clinic, those groups are as follows:

Males, regardless of age

Men are always more likely to suffer serious injuries than women, and they tend to pass away at a younger age. There are many factors in play here, from the performance of high-risk occupations to more risk-taking behavior.

Children between the ages of 0 and 4

The youngest children are especially vulnerable because their skulls have not finished forming when they’re born. Even after formation is complete, though, children face high risks simply because of a lack of physical skills and mental awareness can lead to injuries. Lack of physical strength can also make it harder for them to protect themselves.

Senior citizens

Those who are 60 and older have an elevated risk, largely because of increasing frailty. If a 30-year-old is involved in a car accident, for instance, he or she may suffer far less severe injuries than a 70-year-old who is in an identical accident. Falls also become a major risk for the elderly.

Teens and young adults

The age range given is from 15-24. Much of the risk is simply that this is the range when young people start driving. Studies have found repeatedly that accident risks are highest at the beginning of someone’s driving career, and these accidents may be more severe.

What happens next?

If you have suffered a serious brain injury or if a loved one is dealing with significant ramifications from a TBI, you need to know if you have a right to compensation and what legal steps you should take.

 

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