According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, a large percentage of people treated for traumatic brain injury every year experience MTBI.
Recently, research has intensified as professionals strive to learn more about this condition, which is often the result of a car crash. What exactly is MTBI and what are the consequences?
About MTBI
MTBI is the acronym for mild traumatic brain injury. The cause is usually a blow to the head; for example, a car crash victim might hit his or her head against the windshield during impact. Data show that about 75% of the 1.5 million people who experience traumatic brain injury each year sustain MTBI. Researchers point out that no standard definitions exist for this condition, which, therefore, could be misdiagnosed. People most often receive treatment in hospital emergency rooms, or not at all.
Symptoms
MTBI is a neurologic disorder. The violent impact from a serious fall or motor vehicle accident can cause a brief change in a victim’s mental status. This may mean disorientation, confusion, loss of memory about what happened just before or just after the accident as well as a period of unconsciousness less than 30 minutes in length. Other symptoms include dizziness, headache, fatigue or an inability to concentrate. Since symptoms may not appear at the time of the accident, the victim may not seek prompt medical attention, and, until symptoms persist, may not see a doctor for days or even weeks.
Follow-up
While research continues into the impact of MTBI, vehicle accident victims should not discount the consequences of a blow to the head. Even a mild head injury can cause lifelong health issues. Patients have the right to expect compensation sufficient to cover current and future medical treatment, lost wages and more.
