With the Olympics coming to a close, many of us, especially our children, have been watching with admiration as skiers careen down steep hills on skis and snowboarders fly off of a halfpipe. The athletes make these sports look effortless, but before you strap skis on your feet and head to the nearest slope, keep in mind that these sports can be dangerous -- even for the Olympians themselves.

Most Americans know Shaun White as the face of snowboarding, but a name that is not commonly known is Kevin Pearce. A mere seven weeks ago, Pearce was on track to medal, and perhaps defeat White, in Vancouver. Just one week before the 2010 Olympics qualifying events, the 22-year-old American snowboarder suffered a severe traumatic brain injury as the result of a training accident on the halfpipe. Doctors put Pearce into a medically induced coma for more than a week, and he is currently stable, but on a long road to recovery.

Each year, approximately 1.4 million Americans suffer a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).  The majority of TBIs in America are concussions – a condition that can be tragically underestimated.  If a concussion goes untreated, it can affect brain activity, cause epilepsy, increase the risk for serious brain disorders, and even cause death. It is imperative that we all learn how to recognize a TBI, and that we take steps to prevent and properly treat these injuries.

In the past, we have traditionally played down the severity of concussions and other head injuries, but it is time that we clear up common misconceptions about TBI.  As the Center for Disease Control reports, the signs and symptoms of TBI can be subtle and must be taken extremely seriously.

Because concussions aren’t a visible injury, they can be difficult to recognize. It is extraordinarily important that we all educate ourselves about the signs and symptoms of TBI so that we can respond effectively in the event that we sustain, or one of our loved ones sustain, a head injury.

Many of the leading journals and scholarly works concerning traumatic brain injuries warn that there is still a popular misconception that in order for someone to suffer a concussion, they need to lose consciousness.  This is simply not true and, if medical attention is not sought immediately following a head injury – no matter how severe the patient thinks it might be – a concussion may only be the first step in a TBI.

About 70% of patients with a TBI experience severe post-traumatic headaches.  Further, the National Institute of Health reports that approximately 40% of all TBI patients develop a host of troubling and potentially disabling symptoms within days or weeks after a head injury.  Of those, approximately one-quarter continue to suffer over one year after the event.  Ultimately, about 20% of TBI victims end up being classified as chronically disabled.

Even though we understand how many of these injuries occur, we know that all brain injuries are different, and so are their recoveries.  More importantly, there is no known effective treatment for traumatic brain injuries.  Yet, vast amounts of medical literature confirm that early and appropriate treatment by medical professionals can prevent further damage.   Here are some simple steps to remember:

1. Always wear a helmet.  Whether it is biking, skiing, sledding or in-line skating, always wear a helmet.

2. Every Second Counts! If you suspect a head injury, get checked out a soon as possible.    TBIs are notorious for causing a ‘Second Injury’.  Essentially, the brain may not begin to bleed for hours or even days after the initial impact.  Most hospitals are trained to screen patients for the signs and symptoms and can advise you of the classic signs and symptoms.

3. Don’t Be Shy.  Because the symptoms of a TBI may change over time, do not hesitate to return to your physician or the hospital if your symptoms change.  Since there is no known cure for a brain injury, preventing further injury is the best treatment.

The attorneys of Weitz Garfinkle Datz are committed to preventing and assisting victims of all types of brain injuries.  For more information, please visit our website at www.wgdlegal.com/braininjury or call 215-545-9300.

Eric Weitz, a civil trial attorney, has represented many victims of varying brain injuries over the years ranging from severe TBI, cerebral palsy secondary to hypoxic ischemic encephalopathy and brain radiation injuries to persistent post concussion syndrome.  He has also represented many brain injury victims in varying appeals of healthcare benefits denials on a pro bono basis.