March is national Brain Injury Awareness month, and although here at BRN every day is focused on brain injuries, we’d like to help boost awareness to everyone this month! 

When it comes to brain injuries, no one is immune. It can happen to anyone in the blink of an eye, and every person’s situation is different. We focus on traumatic brain injuries (TBI) this month to erase the stigma around them, and build awareness around treatment, care, and prevention. TBIs are more common than you may think. Every 9 seconds, someone in the United States sustains a brain injury (source: BIA). This event can permanently alter a person’s life in an instant. And this affects their immediate family and community as well.  

Brain Injury Awareness month aims to recognize the 13.5 million Americans who live with a traumatic brain injury (source: Brain Trauma Foundation). TBIs are the second most prevalent disability, and often one of the least recognizable. Even mild TBIs such as concussions can have lasting effects on individuals. Brain injuries are not just traumatic though, they can occur due to stroke, disease, lack of oxygen, or toxins which are often known as non-traumatic brain injuries. These people are also deeply affected by their brain injuries, also leading to permanent physical and psychological damage. 

Prevention.  

Some types of brain injuries are impossible to predict or prevent. But when we engage in certain lifestyles and activities our chances of brain injury can go up or down. While we can never predict what life may throw at us, we can increase our chances of being safe, healthy, and bouncing back if something were to happen. Here are some ways to prevent common brain injuries: 

• Always wear your seatbelt. 

• Always wear a helmet if you engage in physical activity where head traumas are common, i.e. biking, football, skateboarding, etc. 

• If you are older, evaluate your risk for falls. Talk to your doctor about your physical abilities and medications, as well as ways to prevent falls as you age. 

• For younger children, take measures to make their play areas safer. A few examples can be making sure windows are locked, using gates around staircases. 

• Don’t engage in risky behaviors such as drinking and driving (or riding a bike) 

• Lead a healthy lifestyle. Eat nutritious whole foods and exercise regularly. Check our Lifes Essential 8 from the AHA or the 6 Pillars of Lifestyle Medicine to see what inspires you! 

After a brain injury (stroke, Traumatic Brain Injury, Acquired Brain Injury), what is the Standard of Care?

The standard of care for Brain Injury is Comprehensive Rehabilitation!  

For too long medical doctors and rehabilitation providers didn't know the benefits of comprehensive (interdisciplinary) rehab. But, the good news is, now we know!  

After a brain injury (stroke, TBI, ABI) and depending on the research it is estimated that 20% - 30% of people who experience a stroke, TBI, ABI it is medically necessary for them to receive the standard of care for brain injury which is comprehensive outpatient evaluation & rehabilitation.   

If you are in the PNW, we got you! Brain Rehab Network (BRN) is the one-stop where you receive expert rehab that is centered on you making progress in your recovery journey!  

Most places and people get into healthcare and rehabilitation to do good, BRN exists because we wanted to be the best place people could go to maximize their recovery!  

For most brain injuries and people, good rehab is good enough. However, there are A LOT of people (again, 20%-30% of stroke, TBI, ABI) survivors who need and want the best. At BRN we believe that each individual deserves the best access to specialized rehab. Your goals are our goals! And, at BRN we are on mission to provide the best available care and rehabilitation. Don't you want the best when your recovery is on the line?  

We help people achieve the goals that matter most to their functional independence, quality of life and returning to work! Experience the superior person-centered approach we take to you and your recovery.  

Want to achieve results that matter?  

Want to make progress toward your goals?  

Want to boost your confidence? 

Want to experience a more enjoyable life?  

We have the expertise to help you get there!  

Depending on your needs our programs are: 

• Outpatient Brain Rehabilitation Program 

• Post-Concussion Bootcamp 

• Residential Brain Rehab Program 

• Home and Community Programs 

Awareness

Do your part in helping to spread awareness this #BrainInjuryAwareness month by talking to one person about these key points from the BIAA TBI statistics: 

• Prevalence: Over 5 million people in the US live with a permanent brain injury disability.  

• Annual TBI cases: Approximately 2.8 million people sustain a TBI every year.  

• Impact on daily life: Many people with TBI experience chronic pain, depression, and other cognitive difficulties. 

Do your part to take the necessary steps to boost your health, prevent yourself and your loved ones from brain injuries and raising awareness for those living with brain injury.  

By working together, we can help our community thrive by giving support to each person impacted by brain injury, that includes families and caregivers too!

Visit Brain Injury Association of America to learn more about how to get involved.