Don’t Press Your Luck
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by
- A bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or
- A penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain.
TBI is a major cause of death and disability in the United States, contributing to about 30% of all injury deaths. Those who survive TBI can face effects lasting a few days to disabilities that last the rest of their lives.
Effects of TBI can include impaired thinking or memory, impaired movement, impaired sensations, for example, vision or hearing, or emotional changes, for example, personality changes or depression.
These issues can affect individuals and have lasting effects on families and communities.
The MBWCF partner Midwest Employers Casualty MEC has a specialized team dedicated to managing cases involving brain injuries, either traumatic (TBI) or non-traumatic. This team includes our Chief Medical Officer, a physiatrist with decades of experience in rehabilitation, along with two full-time CAT nurses with vast experience dealing with these complex cases. Together, their goal is to optimize the care of the injured worker and obtain the best outcomes.
A TBI can happen from slips and falls inside the office, on a stairway, on a sidewalk, or parking lot. It is important to make sure all walkways and exits are clear.
If you know of a colleague who has had a slip and fall take these precautions to check for a concussion
Signs and symptoms of a concussion include:
- headache
- blurred or double vision
- dizziness, balance problems, or trouble walking
- confusion and saying things that don’t make sense
- being slow to answer questions
- slurred speech
- nausea or vomiting
- not remembering what happened
- not feeling well
Symptoms of a concussion usually happen right away, but can show up hours or days after an injury. A person with a concussion may:
- have trouble focusing
- have learning or memory problems
- have a headache that gets worse
- have sleep problems
- feel sad, easily upset or angered, or nervous
Let’s work to keep everyone safe! Not currently an MBWCF member – click here to learn more about how to join!