March is brain injury awareness month

This blog post was originally published on 3/8/2021 and updated on 3/14/2022. 

Every March, organizations across the globe recognize Brain Injury Awareness to shed light on the millions of individuals and their families living with the impacts of brain injury. In the United States, over 5 million children and adults are living with brain injury.

A brain injury is defined as an external or internal insult to the brain which impacts how someone thinks, feels, behaves, and experiences the world around them. Several sub-definitions of brain injury provide further ways to classify the type of injury that has been sustained: 

Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) 
Occurs after birth. Not developmental or hereditary in nature. There are two types of ABI.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
“...alteration in brain function, or other evidence of brain pathology, caused by an external force..” such as from a fall, car accident, or gunshot wound.

Non-Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) 
“...causes damage to the brain by internal factors, such as a lack of oxygen, exposure to toxins, pressure from a tumor…”.

The challenges that accompany a brain injury are often “invisible”. There may be greater effects on internal functioning like memory, thinking, attention, mood, and navigation through social relationships. For some, there are changes in physical functioning,  appearance, and speech production. 

Individuals who have sustained a brain injury may work with a team of professionals to help them along with their healing journey, including:
Neurologists
Trauma Surgeons
(Neuro, Clinical) Psychologists
Physiatrists 
Primary Care Physicians
ENTs
Counselors
Social Workers
Occupational Therapists
Speech-Language Pathologists
Physical Therapists
Support Groups
Chiropractors 
Opthamologists 
And many more... 

Every day, organizations around the world are working to improve brain injury education, advocacy, and access to resources. As we recognize Brain Injury Awareness Month, we encourage sharing information that will elevate the understanding of brain injury. We welcome recommendations for other resources!
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Resources/References: 
American Stroke Association 
Brain Injury Association of America 
Brain Injury Association of Georgia 
Brain Injury Association of Maryland 
Brain Injury Association of North Carolina
Brainline 
Centers for Disease Control & Prevention 
Constant Therapy 
Constant Therapy Health: Tips for Improving Memory
Love Your Brain - Mindful March Campaign 
National Aphasia Association