Falls are responsible for most brain injuries
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 long-term or lifelong help in performing daily living activities because of such an injury.

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

Assaults and vehicle accidents are common causes of brain injuries, but the leading cause by far is 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, the only nonprofit organization in Ventura County 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.