Both brain injuries and spinal cord injuries can result in permanent disabilities when they are serious enough. These are difficult injuries for medical professionals to treat, as they do not always heal completely. Even with medical care, someone could experience lasting ramifications for the rest of their life.
But which is more common? Which is the bigger issue in the United States?
According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are far more common. Every year, about 235,000 people wind up in the hospital with a TBI. That’s roughly 20 times as many people as those who get hospitalized after suffering a spinal cord injury.
These serious injuries can happen in many different ways. It could be as simple as a slip-and-fall accident on an icy sidewalk. It could be an injury suffered in a car accident, even with a seat belt, air bags and other modern safety features. It could be an accident at work, such as a fall from a ladder or an incident involving heavy machinery.
In other cases, people suffer brain and spinal cord injuries pursuing their hobbies. Things like playing football, rock climb, skydiving and cycling all present some level of risk.
If you suffer either injury, you should know that the cost to you can be very high. You may need extensive medical treatment right after you get hurt. If you never fully heal, you may need long-term care and may not work again. That’s why it is so important you understand all of your rights to Social Security Disability (SSD) benefits.