Summer months allow people more opportunities to be outdoors and enjoy activities they miss out on all winter. The risk for head injuries also increases in the summer months. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons, recreational activities and sports lead to 21 percent of traumatic brain injuries.

Traumatic Brain Injury

Also called TBI for short, it is caused from a jolt, blow or bump to the head, or one that penetrates the head, to interrupt the brain’s everyday functioning. They can be considered “mild”, which changes someone’s mental status briefly, or “severe”, which can affect a person for the rest of their life. The TBI can inflict amnesia or a long period of unconsciousness, alter their speech, voice, sense of humor and other everyday functions. The CDC reports that males have a higher rate of TBI than women. In the year 2000, TBI injuries cost over $76 million in medical and other indirect costs.

Activities that Cause Head Injuries

Summer activities that cause injuries to the head, which can result in a TBI include:

• Cycling
• Surfing
• Diving
• Water skiing and tubing
• Trampolines
• Baseball and softball
• Riding ATV’s, dune buggies, mini bikes, go carts
• Skateboards
• Scooters
• Golf
• Motorcycles

While many look forward to the summer months to partake in these activities, there is a high risk of head injury involved. It is important that people play safely and wear proper equipment such as helmets. Their motorized vehicles must be in proper working order and operated in the correct environment. Contact an experienced NY personal injury attorney if you or someone you love has suffered a head injury or traumatic brain injury when involved in summer activities or sports.