According to Brain Injury Canada, millions of people in Ontario and other provinces live with the day-to-day effects of acquired brain injury. ABI involves brain damage not linked to a degenerative or congenital disease but acquired after birth. Acquired brain injuries can happen after traumatic injuries, infectious diseases, oxygen deprivation of the brain, tumours, seizures, substance abuse or other toxic exposure.
The long-term consequences of brain injuries could be challenging
Brain injuries leading cause of death in Canada
As part of an awareness campaign for disabilities, important statistics were recently reported. Brain injuries are reportedly the leading cause of disability and death in Canada, including Ontario. Alarmingly, more than 450 people in Canada suffer brain injuries each day. That means 165,000 brain injuries per year. It also equates to an average of one brain injury suffered every three minutes.
Car accident victims with brain injuries could recover damages
Victims of car accidents that resulted from another party's negligence might have grounds to pursue financial relief through the Ontario civil justice. An example of a successful lawsuit was recently reported in another province. That case followed a 2014 accident between a car and a tractor-trailer, leaving the car's driver with debilitating brain injuries.
Children's neck pillows pose risks of brain injuries
Health Canada reported that children who use a specific brand of neck pillow risk exposure to lead. According to health safety authorities, brain injuries are one of the consequences of lead exposure. A recall notice was issued for these U-shaped pillows manufactured in another country and sold in Ontario and other provinces.
Brain injuries a common result of vehicle accidents
Motorists in Ontario might find reports of a significant increase in serious car accidents in a neighbouring province alarming. This year may prove to have more severe and catastrophic auto accidents than in the last 10 years. Injuries include amputations, spinal cord damage that cause paralysis and brain injuries -- all of which are potentially life-changing.