Now that spring is officially here and there are less than ten days left in March, many people are already mentally moving ahead to the warmer temperatures promised by April. However, before we turn the page on this month, it’s important to recognize a very significant event that has been taking place for the last several weeks.
Every March, the Brain Injury Association of America observes Brain Injury Awareness Month, which serves as a valuable platform to educate people about this devastating condition, and how it affects the lives of both victims and their families. This year’s theme is Not Alone, which the BIAA says is meant to “de-stigmatize the injury, empower those who have survived, and promote the many types of support that are available.”
What exactly is a traumatic brain injury?
According to the BIAA of Pennsylvania, a traumatic brain injury is characterized by a disruption of brain function caused by either a penetrating head injury, or jolt/blow to the head.
Does the head trauma have to be especially severe to be categorized as a TBI?
Not necessarily. The scale for TBIs extends from mild TBIs, which are often characterized by brief losses of consciousness or changes in mental status, to severe TBIs, which are often characterized by prolonged unconsciousness or amnesia.
No matter the initial severity of the TBI, however, victims can still suffer from either short- or long-term complications.
How do people typically suffer TBIs?
The BIAA of Pennsylvania identifies some of the primary causes of TBIs as the following:
As part of our commitment to raising awareness about this important issue, our blog will examine this topic all week. In the coming days, we’ll address how many TBIs occur here in Pennsylvania and across the U.S., who is most at risk for TBIs and how medical malpractice can sometimes occur concerning TBI patients.
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