Heads Up Alaska: Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury

ANCHORAGE - Around 800 Alaskans suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) every year, according to the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services.

DHSS says the highest rates of TBI are among Alaska Natives, residents of rural Alaska and young people ages 15 to 19 in motor vehicle crashes.

The number one cause of TBI across the country and in Alaska is falls.

"And that can be a high level fall or a ground level fall, said trauma surgeon Dr. Regina Chennault.

Especially in Alaska, icy conditions can catch many people off guard, but its not just the outdoors where people are falling.

Dr. Chennault had a patient who woke up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom.

And he fell and hit underneath his chin on the dresser and that caused a fracture in his and he also had a traumatic brain injury from that fall, said Chennault.

It's older Alaskans who are especially vulnerable to taking what could be a dangerous or even fatal step.

The second most common cause of TBI is in a motor vehicle crash.

One Alaskan who knows all about that is Jeffry Kellerman.

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Heads Up Alaska: Common Causes of Traumatic Brain Injury