March is Brain Injury Awareness Month

This blog post was originally published on 3/8/2021. It has been updated with additional content and resources. ​

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.

1. 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

1. 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!



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 
Love Your Brain - Mindful March Campaign 
National Aphasia Association