New research is seeking to develop better diagnostic procedures to detect mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). The Army is underwriting the research program, but any diagnostic and treatment advances from the program will improve care for everyone from kids injured playing high school sports to those injured in car accidents.
Many injured in motor vehicle accidents suffer mild to severe TBI injuries. The Centers for Disease Control reported that in 2010 the second leading cause of brain injuries was motor vehicle crashes and traffic-related accidents. Those accidents resulted in the largest percentage (31.8 percent) of TBI-related deaths.
A TBI injury is caused when the head is jolted or bumped. A penetrating head injury is the most serious. All head injuries disrupt normal brain function.
