Traumatic brain injury is defined as damage to the brain resulting from external mechanical force, such as rapid acceleration or deceleration, impact, blast waves, or penetration by a projectile. Brain function is temporarily or permanently impaired and structural damage may or may not be detectable with current technology.

1.7 million Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury each year which requires hospitalization. Every 23 seconds, one person in the U.S. sustains a brain injury Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a silent yet serious epidemic currently leaving 5.3 million Americans with disabilities. This represents over- 2% of the US population; 56,000 victims in Utah alone! 75% of persons with TBI who return to work will lose their job within 90 days if they do not have supports.

The estimated lifetime cost for each survivor of a severe brain injury exceeds $4 million. $91 million in 2009 for hospital inpatient stay charges The median charge for motorcycle related TBI hospitalization was over $30,547 The median TBI inpatient hospital charge was $19,000

Wanders off / runs away Impulsive (acts without thinking) Reduced self-esteem Repeated invasion of personal space Short fuse – unable to control outbursts Difficulty maintaining relationships

Easily distracted Seems to “space out” Difficulty understanding Difficulty with reality Seems confused Poor memory Decreased safety awareness Slow to answer questions Difficulty organizing (time, etc.)

Denies deficits Irritable Doesn’t listen Asks a lot of questions Argumentative Appears unmotivated Moody – laughs or cries easily Depressed Face shows little or no emotion Appears angry

Fatigue and / or weakness Spasticity and tremors Motor coordination Speech difficulties Seizures Balance Mobility Taste or smell changes

Inappropriate social interaction (overly formal or overly friendly) Interrupts conversations Fabricates stories / lies Inappropriate conversation (sex, drugs, alcohol abuse, etc.) Poor eye contact Goes off on tangents

Poor speech Speaks in a monotone Vulgarity / swearing Talks too loud or too soft Has difficulty “finding” words Broken speech