Brain Injury Facts
5000 Albertans are brain injured every year. They will live the rest of their lives with:
- memory loss
- personality changes
- physical problems
- family problems
- employment and financial concerns
- Young males between the ages of 15-24 years have the highest rate of injury.
The incidence of brain injury and its effects is a problem that has increased in the past 20-30 years.
A survivor of a severe brain injury faces 5-10 years of intensive rehabilitation services.
The cost of a brain injury is astronomical-financially, socially and emotionally.
Generally, the longer the coma, the poorer the prognosis for completely regaining lost skills.
90% to 95% of survivors need a treatment centre for some period of time.
Rehabilitation programs commencing within 30 days of the injury cut rehabilitation time and cost.
The leading cause of injury to the brain among adults is motor vehicle accidents.
- 50% of brain injuries are sustained in car accidents:
- 50% of these involve alcohol or drugs
- 50% involve speeding
- 58% of the time it is a single car accident
- less than 14% of the victims are wearing seat belts
- 71% of the time the driver sustains a brain injury