March is Brain Injury Awareness Month
Brain Injury Awareness Month is observed each March. The purpose of this is to bring awareness to brain injuries, often referred to as TBIs (traumatic brain injuries), concussions, or ABIs (acquired brain injuries). TBIs are often caused by external factors. These could include car accidents, sports, and falls. They are often categorized by severity, ranging from mild to severe. Concussions are a form of mild TBIs. ABIs are injuries to the brain that are not caused by genetics or birth trauma. These could include stroke, seizures, meningitis, or other infectious diseases. You may have also heard of or seen chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), which is a progressive and fatal brain disease after repeated TBIs.
Oftentimes, brain injuries go unnoticed or are not taken seriously. When you think about it, it’s kind of ironic. Our brain is an important part of our bodies and our ability to survive. Just because you cannot see an injury doesn’t mean it’s not there or not real. For many individuals living with the lasting consequences of concussions and those who are diagnosed with TBI, they feel and see the symptoms of their injuries every day.
There are several categories of symptoms when it comes to TBIs. These include physical, sensory, and behavioral/cognitive/mental health. Most of the symptoms can go away after a few weeks. However, if symptoms persist for longer than several months, they are referred to as post concussion syndrome (PCS). Some common mild TBI symptoms include:
Physical:
Headaches
Vomiting
Fatigue
Dizziness
Sensory:
Sensitivity to light
Sensitivity to sound
Blurred vision
Ears ringing
Inability to smell
Behavioral/Cognitive/Mental Health:
Memory loss
Difficulties concentrating
Depression
Anxiety
Sleep disturbance
Some common moderate TBI symptoms include:
Physical:
Loss of coordination
Weakness or numbness in hands or feet
Persistent headaches
Seizures
Behavioral/Cognitive/Mental Health:
Slurred speech
Agitation
Coma or other consciousness disorders
Individuals who have repeated or significant brain injuries can suffer long-term and irreversible effects. Various forms of treatment are available, but many providers in the field will agree that not all treatments are effective and unfortunately, there is still a lot that we don’t know about when it comes to TBIs and their treatment. The lasting changes can take a toll on the individual experiencing them, as well as their loved ones.
If you or a loved one experiences ANY of these symptoms after a hit to the head, it is strongly recommended you consult a doctor. If you are interested in learning more about brain injury, check out some of the resources below. If your loved one has experienced a TBI and you are unsure of how to help, ask. The person might not be comfortable talking about their injury or symptoms, but you can offer support and validation when they ask for things to be different. For example, if a person is suffering long-term effects with sound sensitivity, don’t push for a reason why they said no to the concert you invited them to. Boundaries are important and no is a complete sentence and an answer.
Sadly, TBIs and concussions are not specific to soldiers/veterans or athletes. In recent years, there has (finally!) been some increased awareness in the realm of football and ice hockey. However, any individual is at risk for experiencing a TBI. Prevention is key and helpful. This doesn’t mean you need to live in a bubble, but be aware of your surroundings. Wear your seatbelt in the car and use reliable and safe transportation, be mindful of the sports you play, report any physical abuse, and rearrange your home to decrease the risk of young children and seniors falling.
If you have suffered a TBI, I encourage you to listen to the recommendations from the treating doctor. Ask questions, keep records and the symptoms, and if you don’t believe your symptoms or those of your loved one are being taken seriously, find another provider!
*The list of symptoms above is not exhaustive. If you believe you or a loved one has experienced the symptoms associated with concussions, please reach out to a provider for your treatment options.
Some helpful resources:
Brain Injury Association of New Jersey
Brain Injury Association of New York
Brain Injury Association of Vermont