Brain Injury Awareness Month

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, dedicated to promoting awareness and prevention of brain injuries.

There are two types of brain injury: Traumatic and Non-Traumatic. A traumatic brain injury, also known as a TBI, happens when an external force alters brain function. This can occur when the head is struck or when it hits something due to a fall, motor vehicle accident, assault, and other causes. At least 5.3 million Americans live with a TBI-related disability. That’s one in every 60 people.

Non-traumatic brain injury, also known as an acquired brain injury, causes damage to the brain due to internal factors such as a lack of oxygen, exposure to toxins, and pressure from a tumor. An acquired brain injury is any injury to the brain that is not hereditary, congenital, degenerative, or induced by birth trauma.

From the Brain Injury Association of America:

Symptoms of Traumatic Brain Injury

TBI symptoms may include problems with thinking, concentration, reaction time, and emotions, as well as feeling more tired than usual. Some symptoms may affect a person’s ability to do their normal work activities. Symptoms may last for months or even years, and for some, may involve co-occurring health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression.

Symptoms of Non-Traumatic Brain Injury

There are a wide range of symptoms of non-traumatic brain injury. While no two survivors will experience the same set of symptoms, there are some that are more common than others. Here are some common symptoms of non-traumatic brain injury:

Dizziness
Vision changes
Poor coordination
Headaches
Difficulty Speaking

A brain injury can be a challenging experience for you and your loved ones. If you need assistance, please reach out to the following organizations.

Brain Injury Association of America