Brain Injury Awareness Month

Brain Injury Awareness Month

The Brain Injury Association of America (B.I.A.) reports that more than 5.3 million people in the United States sustain a form of brain injury across their lifetime, at least one person every nine seconds. Brain injuries can occur at any time, causing a range of unpredictable consequences, but one thing is certain– brain injuries change lives.  

Despite the fact that millions of Americans are survivors of brain injuries–and millions more are caregivers and loved ones impacted by someone affected– there is still a stigma associated with brain injuries that prevent survivors from feeling supported. With March 1st kicking off the start of Brain Injury Awareness Month, there has never been a better time to spread awareness and get involved to help support this deserving community in your area. 

The Facts of Brain Injuries 

Brain injuries can be complex and confusing. There are no identical human brains; therefore, it’s only natural that brain injuries and their consequences would be just as unique. 

The B.I.A. currently categorizes brain injuries into two groups: traumatic and non-traumatic. While each type can adversely affect the health and well-being of a survivor, the difference in the classification is determined by the cause of the injury, not its severity. 

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Approximately 2.5 million Americans sustain a Traumatic Brain Injury ( T.B.I.) every year. These types of brain injuries are typically the result of sudden trauma to the head, such as a blow, cut, jolt, or other blunt force. T.B.I.s can be diagnosed as mild, moderate, or severe and subclassified as open (penetrating) or closed (non-penetrating). 

The most common accident types leading to T.B.I.s include: 

Non-Traumatic Injury

Non-traumatic injuries, also known as acquired brain injuries, occur due to an illness or serious health condition. A common example of this includes brain damage resulting from a lack of oxygen or reduced blood flow to areas of the brain. 

Types of health conditions most known for leading to non-traumatic brain injuries include:

  • Tumors
  • Seizure
  • Stroke
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Drug Overdose
  • Carbon Monoxide or Lead Poisoning
  • Metabolic Disorders

The Global Impact of Brain Injuries

The impact of a brain injury on an individual and family is unpredictable. It’s nearly impossible to plan for the long-term consequences, mainly when symptoms of brain injuries can remain dormant for years.  

While every brain injury looks (and feels) different, some of the most common side-effects highlighted by the B.I.A. include: 

  • Memory loss
  • Increased risk of depression and anxiety
  • Speech impairments 
  • Decreased awareness
  • Difficulty understanding language
  • Visual-spatial impairments
  • Decreased motor control
  • Altered personality

Sadly, depending on the extent of damage, survivors of brain injuries may never live the same life they used to. The compounding emotional and psychological distress that accompanies this loss can lead to consequences in every other aspect of a person’s life: relationships, employment, financial stability, housing stability, and so much more. 

How to Get Involved

There are countless ways to spread awareness on the prevalence of brain injuries in your community and help support the B.I.A. chapter in New York (B.I.A.N.Y.S). Anyone can get involved and get others on board with advocacy efforts during Brain Injury Awareness Month. Here are just a few ways:

Go Blue! for Brain Injuries

The Go Blue! initiative is a month-long event open to anyone interested in participating. Choose a day in your community or workplace to wear blue to spread awareness and host fun events to raise money to support the brain injury community. For more support, register your event here. 

Virtual Events 

Virtual events are great for those who cannot leave their home to volunteer. Participate in one of three virtual Advocacy Days held this month on February 28, March 1, or March 8. Book your spot on your Google Calendar to plan your day. 

Volunteer 

Volunteer with the B.I.A.N.Y.S. to help survivors, families, and caretakers of traumatic brain injuries right in your own community. Opportunities to volunteer may include local events, event planning, community advocacy, fundraising volunteers, and more. Fill out the contact form with your availability and interests here to find volunteer events near you. 

Become a B.I.A. Member

If you have the resources to provide donations, consider becoming a member of the B.I.A.N.Y.S. Members of this fantastic organization help provide education, community support services, funding grants, sponsorships, and other resources to directly improve the lives of individuals and families affected by brain injuries. Prospective members can apply here

Social Media Tags

Spread awareness on all your social platforms this month! You can begin connecting with national and local brain injury communities by using and following popular hashtags. The #MoreThanMyBrainInjuryCampaign for 2022 gives individuals affected by brain injuries a voice and an opportunity to change the narrative that stigmatizes brain injuries. Other popular tags include: #BrainInjuryAwarenessMonth, #StrongerTogether, #BIANY, #ChangeYourMind, #ProtectYourBrain #BrainInjury, #NotAloneinBrainInjury, #TreatYourBrain. 

New York City Brain Injury Lawyers

If you or a loved one has suffered a brain injury or illness due to an accident, our winning team of personal injury lawyers is here to fight for your rights. The law firm of Pazer, Epstein, Jaffe & Fein has been successfully advocating for NYC patients for over 60 years. Contact us using our convenient online form or feel free to phone us in New York at 212-227-1212, or in Huntington/Long Island at 631-864-2429.