Traumatic Brain Injury

What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an injury that affects how the brain works. Approximately 175,000 New Jersey residents currently live with disabilities from traumatic brain injuries. Anyone can experience a TBI, but data suggest that some groups are at greater risk of getting a TBI or having worse health outcomes after the injury.

Leading Causes of TBIs in New Jersey

Falls
Motor Vehicle Crashes
Assaults/Domestic Violence
Self-inflicted injuries

Road Safety

Wear a seat belt
Don't drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or when you are tired
Don't use a cell phone when driving
Ensure children are in the correct car seat for their age

Sports Safety

Wear a helmet when:
- Playing contact sports like football, ice hockey, lacrosse, or boxing
- Using skates or a skateboard
- Batting during baseball or softball
- Riding a horse
- Skiing or snowboarding

Older Adult Safety

Use a handrail when climbing stairs
Improve lighting throughout your home
Use a non-slip mat in the bathroom

Child Safety

Make your home safer by installing window guards and safety gates around stairs
Use playgrounds with shock absorbing mats
Supervise on stairs and on playgrounds
Always use car seats

Violence Safety

Keep guns unloaded and locked up
Educate on the dangers of guns
Suicide prevention: Watch for warning signs and seek professional help, if needed.

Info graphic on traumatic brain injuries - 166 TBI deaths a day in 2019

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Fund

The TBI Fund allows people to access brain injury-related services and support they may need to live in their communities. It aims to raise the quality of life when insurance, personal resources, and/or public programs may have failed to address those needs. To be eligible, an individual must: