Traumatic brain injury (TBI), a form of acquired brain injury, occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. TBI can result when the head suddenly and violently hits an object, or when an object pierces the skull and enters brain tissue. Symptoms of a TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of the damage to the brain. A person with a mild TBI may remain conscious or may experience a loss of consciousness for a few seconds or minutes. Other symptoms of mild TBI include headache, confusion, lightheadedness, dizziness, blurred vision or tired eyes, ringing in the ears, bad taste in the mouth, fatigue or lethargy, a change in sleep patterns, behavioral or mood changes, and trouble with memory, concentration, attention, or thinking. (http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/tbi/tbi.htm)
Research has shown that there is an alarmingly high prevalence of inmates with TBI. According to an article we found on braininjury.org.au, “People with acquired brain injury remain the forgotten group in the criminal justice system. Indeed it seems that brain trauma is so common among the prison population that it is not considered outside the ordinary or subject to particular attention.” Some say that more thorough screening is necessary to ensure that inmates are incarcerated for the right reasons.
The opposing viewpoint is that since these individuals with TBI are more often than not involved in substance abuse, domestic violence, and other crimes that prison is the right place for them.
Do you think that Traumatic Brain Injury is sometimes the cause of incarceration? Why? Do you think different screening procedures should be instituted before incarceration?
Take a look at these articles for more information regarding this critical issue.
