Car accidents, everyday falls can lead to brain injury
By Michelle Knight knight@theacorn.com

Experts say that many of us are just a tumble away from a traumatic brain injury.

According to national figures, 1.4 million Americans a year incur a brain injury and more than 5.3 million need longterm or lifelong help in performing daily living activities because of a traumatic brain injury.

Such injuries occur when a jolt or penetrating blow to the head interferes with brain functions. An injury to the brain's frontal lobe can reduce critical-thinking abilities, especially the so-called executive functions that include planning, organizing and problem-solving.

Vehicle collisions and assaults are common sources of brain injuries, but the leading cause by far are falls, according to the Brain Injury Association of America. Other causes, known as acquired brain injury, include stroke, cancer, infectious diseases, near drowning incidents, aneurisms, substance abuse and even roller coaster rides.

Experts say brain injury could lead to epilepsy and an increased risk for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases and other brain disorders.

About 10 percent of the wounded soldiers returning from the Iraq war have a traumatic brain injury, said Cherie Phoenix, executive director of Brain Injury Center, a Ventura County nonprofit organization that is solely dedicated to supporting brain injury survivors.

The center is a link between people with a brain injury and community services and provides them with practical help in establishing goals for rebuilding their lives.

The center has scheduled a benefit dinner for Oct. 26 at Camarillo's Sterling Hills Golf Club. For more information on the event or the Brain Injury Center, call Cherie Phoenix at (805) 654-6400.