Often called “the silent injury,” brain injuries have left approximately 5 million Americans disabled.
“I think the take-home message is, there’s nothing benign about a brain injury -- be it just a mild concussion or be it something more severe,” said Dr. Brent Masel, neurologist and professor of neurology at UTMB.
The most common symptoms of brain injury, according to Masel, are cognitive loss, lack of concentration and fatigue. If someone is symptomatic, he said that person should see a neurologist for a closer look.
Brain injuries in older people are typically from falls, Masel said. In younger people, he said contact sports and risky behavior appear to be the main cause.
The key to avoiding brain injury is prevention. Some preventative measures include:
- Wearing seat belts when in a moving vehicle (includes golf carts).
- Using proper protective headgear when playing sports.
- Avoiding risky and dangerous behavior.
- Eliminating potential fall risks.
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