CLIPBOARD : Regarding Brain Injury

Unlike the scenario painted in the recent film “Regarding Henry,” it often takes years to fully recover from brain injury. And most patients never regain the full range of physical and mental capabilities.

According to the Orange Caregiver Resource Center in Fullerton, the majority of brain-injury cases are caused by debilitating diseases such as Alzheimer’s or dementia. However, Orange County has a higher proportion of traumatic brain injuries than does the state of California. Regardless of the cause, those suffering from brain impairment are usually unable to manage money, frequently cannot shower or dress without help and are unable to communicate.

Here’s how Orange County compares to the state of California in major causes of brain injury: Orange County Degenerative disease/dementia: 32% Alzheimer’s disease: 34% Stroke: 17% Traumatic brain injury: 13% Brain tumor: 3% Undetermined: 1% State of California Alzheimer’s disease: 37% Degenerative disease/dementia: 28% Stroke: 22% Traumatic brain injury: 8% Brain tumor: 3% Undetermined: 2% Source: California State Department of Mental Health, Orange Caregiver Resource Center.