Brain injury awareness month: Know the signs, prevent the risks

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, a vital time to bring attention to traumatic brain injuries. This month focuses on educating the public about the importance of preventing traumatic brain injuries and understanding how to recognize the signs and symptoms. By spreading awareness, we can encourage people to take proactive steps to minimize their risk and ensure quicker, more effective responses to brain injuries, ultimately improving outcomes for those affected.  

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurs when there is an external force that impacts the head, causing a disruption to the brain's normal functions like thinking, memory, coordination and emotional control. In some mild cases, a TBI might result in a concussion, which can cause temporary confusion, dizziness or headaches. More severe cases may lead to permanent disabilities, cognitive impairments, changes in personality or even death. A TBI can be caused by: 

• A bump, blow, or jolt to the head – These types of impacts are common in accidents, sports activities, falls or vehicle collisions. Even a minor bump can cause damage to the brain, depending on the severity and location of the impact. 
• A penetrating head injury – This happens when an object (such as a bullet or a piece of shrapnel) enters the skull and damages the brain tissue directly. This type of injury tends to be more severe, often requiring immediate medical intervention. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), TBIs are a leading cause of death and disability in the United States, commonly caused by falls, firearm-related injuries, motor vehicle crashes or assaults. However, there are several effective ways to reduce the risk of sustaining a traumatic brain injury.  

• Wear a seat belt every time you drive – or ride – in a motor vehicle. 
• Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. 
• Wear a helmet, or appropriate headgear, when you or your children: 
• Ride a bike, motorcycle, snowmobile, scooter, or use an all-terrain vehicle 
• Play a contact sport, such as football, ice hockey, or boxing 
• Use in-line skates or ride a skateboard 
• Bat and run bases in baseball or softball 
• Ride a horse 
• Ski or snowboard 
• Prevent Older Adult Falls 
• Talk to your doctor to evaluate your risk for falling, and talk with them about specific things you can do to reduce your risk for a fall. 
• Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medicines to see if any might make you dizzy or sleepy. This should include prescription medicines, over-the counter medicines, herbal supplements and vitamins. 
• Have your eyes checked at least once a year, and be sure to update your eyeglasses if needed. 
• Do strength and balance exercises to make your legs stronger and improve your balance. 
• Make your home safer by limiting potential fall hazards. 
• Make living and play areas safer for children 
• Install window guards to keep young children from falling out of open windows. 
• Use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs when young children are around. 
• Make sure your child’s playground has soft material under it, such as mulch or sand. 

Brain injuries are extremely serious and require evaluation by a provider experienced in assessing head injuries. This typically involves a brain CT scan and a formal neurological exam. For more moderate to severe traumatic brain injuries, an immediate trip to the emergency room is crucial for further evaluation by a team of neurological specialists, especially if any of the following symptoms are present: 

• Loss of consciousness 
• Headache 
• Confusion 
• Difficulty talking, such as slurred speech 
• Inappropriate emotional responses 
• Blurred vision 
• Problems with balance and walking 
• Poor coordination 
• Vomiting 
• Lethargy 
• Slow pulse 
• Slow breathing 
• Memory problems 

It’s important for those who have experienced a TBI to stay in close communication with their healthcare provider to receive appropriate care and monitoring. Depending on the severity of the injury, some symptoms may improve with time, but others can become long-lasting or even permanent. If symptoms persist or worsen, it’s vital to contact your healthcare provider about the next steps for treatment to ensure the best possible outcome. Early intervention, ongoing support and an individualized care plan are critical to helping individuals recover and adapt to any lasting effects of a TBI.  

Neurosurgeons play a crucial role in the diagnosis, treatment and recovery of individuals who experience a TBI. At UHS, our neurosurgery team is dedicated to providing expert, patient-centered, compassionate care, utilizing the latest technology and techniques to deliver the best possible outcomes for patients. With a deep understanding of brain function and anatomy, neurosurgeons work closely with a multidisciplinary team to ensure that patients receive the best possible care, from initial stabilization in the emergency room to rehabilitation and long-term recovery.

Prevention is the most effective way to protect yourself from a traumatic brain injury, so always remember to wear your seatbelt and use a helmet while biking or playing sports. In the event that you do need immediate medical attention, our UHS Wilson Medical Center is a Level II Trauma Center with a dedicated neuro-trauma team available around the clock. Our team of specialists work together to provide the highest level of care, helping patients recover and return to a healthy, active lifestyle. 

To learn more about UHS Neurosciences, click here.