Brain Injury prevalence and awareness

   



     Before the month is over (time does seem to go faster the older you get), it seems worth noting that March is Traumatic Brain Injury Awareness Month. I wish it was a Hallmark holiday like Boss’s Day(isn’t every day Boss’s day?), but for me and the 2.8 million Americans that suffer a TBI each year (ref), it is not a holiday but instead a journey and a lifelong one at that. Though TBIs have similarities, each TBI is distinct and impacts the patient differently. TBIs can be the result of car accidents; sports injuries resulting in mild concussions to a permanent severe brain injury.

    Beyond the impact on the patient is the impact on the family and community of the patient (work; religious; friends; etc,) Suffering a TBI is not like stitches or a broken bone. For many, including me, the “after” won’t ever be like the “ before.”  For me, it’s a matter of accepting that reality and putting1000% into reclaiming as much of my pre-injury life as possible. Not everyone has the means or family support to do that. I am very fortunate in those respects, and I know so. Let’s keep those millions of annual TBI patients in mind this month and as we go forward. 



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