Brain Injury Awareness Month: TBI Facts and Warning Signs
Updated October 2026
Brain injuries can cause headaches, memory problems, personality changes, physical limitations, and other symptoms that may last far beyond the original accident. Brain Injury Awareness Month in March is an opportunity to recognize these injuries, but understanding traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) is important throughout the year.
If you suffered a brain injury in a car crash, truck accident, fall, pedestrian crash, nursing home abuse, medical negligence, or another incident, discuss your case for free with our South Carolina traumatic brain injury attorneys at Whetstone Perkins & Fulda. Knowing what to watch for can help you recognize the injury and understand your legal options.
Traumatic Brain Injury Statistics Straight From the CDC
CDC data shows the continuing impact of TBIs in the United States:
- About 214,110 people were hospitalized with a TBI in 2020
- About 68,663 people died from TBI-related causes in 2023, according to provisional data
- That amounts to more than 586 TBI-related hospitalizations and about 188 TBI-related deaths each day
- People age 75 and older had the highest numbers and rates of TBI-related hospitalizations and deaths
- Men were nearly twice as likely as women to be hospitalized for a TBI and about three times as likely to die from one
These numbers don’t capture every TBI. Many people receive treatment only in emergency departments, urgent care centers, or doctors’ offices, while others never seek medical care. The actual number of people who experience a TBI is higher than these hospitalization and death figures suggest.
Understanding Traumatic Brain Injuries
A traumatic brain injury occurs when an outside force causes an injury that affects how your brain works. A bump, blow, or jolt to your head can cause a TBI, as can a forceful impact to the body that moves your brain inside the skull.
TBIs range from mild to severe. A mild TBI, commonly called a concussion, can cause headaches, dizziness, fatigue, memory problems, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, and sleep problems. A moderate TBI can involve longer-lasting problems with consciousness and brain function and may require rehabilitation. A severe TBI can result in prolonged unconsciousness, major cognitive or physical impairments, permanent disability, or death.
But remember, just because it’s “mild” doesn’t mean that your brain isn’t injured. Even a concussion can interfere with work, driving, relationships, sleep, and everyday activities.
Common Causes of Brain Injuries in South Carolina
TBIs can result from many types of incidents, including:
- Motor vehicle and truck crashes
- Falls
- Bicycle and pedestrian accidents
- Sports and recreational injuries
- Workplace accidents
- Being struck by an object
- Birth injuries
The force doesn’t always have to produce a visible head wound. You can suffer a TBI even when you don’t see an obvious external injury.
Potential Long-Term Effects of a Brain Injury
The effects of a TBI depend on the injury and the person. Some people recover relatively quickly, while others experience lasting problems. Long-term effects may include memory and concentration problems, headaches, dizziness, balance difficulties, changes in mood or behavior, sleep problems, speech difficulties, and problems performing work or everyday tasks. Moderate and severe TBIs may require continuing medical care, rehabilitation, assistance with daily activities, or changes to employment.
When to Seek Medical Attention for a Possible TBI
Anyone who may have suffered a TBI should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Seek emergency medical attention for serious warning signs such as worsening headaches, repeated vomiting, seizures, weakness or numbness, slurred speech, unusual behavior, increasing confusion, unequal pupils, or difficulty staying awake. Medical records can also create an important timeline showing when your symptoms began, how they changed, and what treatment you received.
Brain Injury Awareness Extends Beyond March
Brain Injury Awareness Month draws attention to an injury that’s often less visible than broken bones or other physical trauma. If you or someone you love suffered a TBI in South Carolina, understanding the symptoms, medical evidence, and lasting effects can help you begin determining what happened and what losses may need to be addressed. Learn more about your potential TBI claim and schedule your free case review with our South Carolina traumatic brain injury lawyers by contacting Whetstone Perkins & Fulda online or at 803-799-9400.
