March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, which is an opportunity for victims, experts, and those eager to learn to raise awareness about traumatic brain injuries (TBIs).
Traumatic brain injuries are life-altering events that change the way a person acts, thinks, moves, and feels. Unfortunately, brain injuries come in many forms, and TBIs can be caused by bumps, jolts, or penetrating injuries to the head.
Oftentimes a person’s brain injury is physically invisible to others, even as it is causing that person great pain and struggle. While we may not realize it, many around us are grappling with the life-altering effects of a TBI. Therefore, as the saying goes, it is important to “be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.” With this in mind, let’s review a few key traumatic brain injury statistics.
Brain Injury Statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 2.87 million TBI-related emergency department (ED) visits, hospitalizations, and deaths occurred in the United States in 2014. A TBI is caused by trauma to the brain from an external force. The two leading causes of TBI hospitalizations are falls (52% of TBIs), and motor vehicle accidents (20%). The effects of a TBI are complex and vary from person to person, depending upon which part of the victim’s brain is injured. More information about the different types of TBI can be found here.
Treatment of a brain injury is a lifelong process. It generally begins with emergent intensive care in the hospital. Once a patient is stabilized, they will begin rehabilitation to train their brains on new ways to perform activities of independent daily living so that they can reintegrate into the community. The TBI is then managed with continuous rehabilitation, physical and mental therapy, speech pathologists, independent living programs, vocational training, and medication.
Many PARRIS clients have or know someone who has suffered from a traumatic brain injury after an accident. To raise awareness of TBIs, PARRIS is committed to raising awareness for the #ChangeYourMind campaign.
The #ChangeYourMind Campaign
Sponsored by the Brain Injury Association of America, the #ChangeYourMind campaign is a nationwide call to action for advocates to improve the quality of life of every person impacted by a brain injury. Together, we can help de-stigmatize brain injuries, empower those who have survived, and promote access to support and resources for those living with a brain injury. To learn more about how you can support the #ChangeYourMind campaign, visit biausa.org/changeyourmind.
