Press Releases

| News & Events | Press Releases | Events | 2006 Releases | 2007 Releases |

Contact Good Shepherd's Marketing and Communications Department >>

February 24, 2006
Traumatic Brain Injury Occurs Every 23 Seconds in U.S.
March Is Brain Injury Awareness Month

Allentown—Of the 1.4 million Americans who will suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) this year, more than 50,000 will die from their injuries – many of which could be prevented, according to the experts at Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Network, the world-class rehabilitation organization headquartered in Allentown that provides comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services.

“These numbers would be significantly lower if people took care to protect themselves,” says Mike Bonner, Good Shepherd’s director of neurorehabilitation. “Accidents happen but serious brain injury may be avoided with common sense such as wearing seatbelts and helmets when riding a bike, rollerblading or playing many contact sports.”

For those who have suffered traumatic brain injuries, outcomes are greatly improved because of advances in medicine and technology. “Good Shepherd’s team of physicians and therapists use a combination of rehabilitation technology and traditional therapies to treat our patients, and many are able to re-engage in the life they knew before their injuries,” says Bonner. “One of the exciting rehabilitation technologies being used to treat TBI patients is the NESS-H200, a hand neuromuscular stimulator that can produce improved function and range of motion. We also utilize the Robomedica body weight support system that helps the patient progress with weight bearing activities according to their specific needs.”

This time of year can be particularly dangerous for head injuries. With winter’s end, sports enthusiasts are getting in the last of the snow sports and might be inclined to take greater risk as the season winds down. With spring approaching, people of all ages will take to the roads and trails on bikes and begin engaging in other outdoor sports.

“We urge everyone to give serious thought to preventing injury and taking care of their own personal safety,” says Bonner, whose comments coincide with Brain Injury Awareness Month (March). “Despite scientific advances, brain injuries are serious.”

Data compiled by the Brain Injury Association of America indicate that TBIs will be eight times more prevalent than the 176,000 cases of breast cancer, 51,000 cases of AIDS and 10,400 cases of multiple sclerosis expected to be diagnosed this year in the U.S. An estimated 5.3 million Americans, more than 2 percent of the population, currently live with disabilities resulting from TBI.

In the event of a head injury, even one that appears insignificant, Bonner recommends a complete medical evaluation to rule out serious brain injury.