An organization called House the Homeless, Inc., founded in 1989, is fighting to combat homelessness across North America. This organization decided to conduct a survey to determine if head trauma was a common thread across the homeless population. The survey was conducted in Austin, Texas, and it was learned that 49% of people who were homeless became so disabled that they were unable to work a 40-hour (a week) job.
The survey also found that many of the symptoms of brain injury can be recognized within this subculture and that we need to do more research in this area. The survey suggests that, “Of the 225 people responding to the question asking, ‘Have you ever been hit hard enough to “see stars” or “get your bell rung”,’ 181 said they had.” It is also said that concussions are often underreported, and that the number of concussions that are suffered are under-recognized. This is why it is important to beware of the symptoms surrounding traumatic brain injury (TBI) and to see a medical professional immediately after any head trauma occurs.
Although this study does not prove that traumatic brain injuries cause homelessness, it proves that traumatic brain injuries need to be studied further and that many homeless people experience the signs and symptoms of traumatic brain injuries.
Brain Injury in the Homeless Population: A Toronto Study
In Toronto, a similar study was conducted, and the lifetime occurrence of traumatic brain injury in the homeless population was seen to be 53%. Therefore, it was found the there was a high occurrence of traumatic brain injury within the homeless population. Men experienced traumatic brain injury (58%) more than homeless women (42%), but both rates are five or more times greater than traumatic brain injury in the general population of the U.S. (8.5%).
It was also found that usually the traumatic brain injury was experienced at a younger age and occurred before homelessness. This shows the importance of finding rehabilitation and treatment for a TBI in the early stages, before the injury progresses. A Toronto personal injury lawyer will also help you to find out what benefits you are eligible to receive in your particular case.
Signs and Symptoms of a Traumatic Brain Injury
If you see any signs and symptoms of a TBI (moderate or severe), it’s important to receive medical treatment immediately to stabilize the injury. Some treatment programs that exist for patients involve physical therapy, social support, psychology, occupational therapy, etc. The symptoms you experience may be mild, moderate, or severe, but it depends on the injury. A few of the symptoms to look out for are the following:
- Dizziness;
- A persistent headache;
- Slurred speech;
- Loss of coordination;
- Agitation;
- Vomiting or nausea;
- Weakness or numbness; and
- Inability to awaken from sleep.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s best to visit a medical professional to determine if you have suffered a traumatic brain injury. A Toronto personal injury lawyer will be able to help you receive the compensation you deserve for your traumatic brain injury and help you to prepare for your future. Book a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer at Sokoloff today.
Sources:
http://www.housethehomeless.org/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/TBI-Survey-Report-2016.pdf?397dac
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/tbi/tbi.htm
http://homelesshub.ca/sites/default/files/2.6%20Hwang%20et%20al.%20-%20Traumatic%20Brain%20Injury.pdf