The Brain Injury Association of Canada (BIAC) has chosen June as National Brain Injury Awareness month. As with America’s brain injury awareness month, which took place in March, June is a time to educate ourselves on brain injury.
Resulting from a blow to the head or penetrating injury (e.g. gunshot wound), acquired brain injury has been called an invisible condition. This is because many of the symptoms and changes in the person with a brain injury are emotional and cognitive. Often, no physical evidence of the injury remains, leading others to assume the person is “fine”.
The leading causes of brain injury in Canada are automobile collisions, falls, pedestrian struck by vehicle, assault, cycling incidents, and sports injuries. Illnesses affecting the brain can also cause the same effects as an injury resulting from impact. As of 2012, close to 5.5 million Canadians were living with a brain injury, disease, or disorder. In Canada, brain injury is the premier cause of death and disability in people under 44. Yet, we hardly hear about it. That is why brain injury awareness month exists.
The effects of a brain injury are different for every person, depending on intertwined factors such as where the injury occurred, its severity, and the person affected. It can alter the person’s personality, cognition, mobility, and/or communication ability.
According to a recent survey of people with an acquired brain injury by the Ontario Brain Injury Association:
- 95% have trouble with memory some or most of the time
- 93% have trouble concentrating some or most of the time
- 71% have trouble with dizziness some or most of the time
- 71% have trouble getting along with people some or most of the time
- 62% have trouble with walking some or most of the time
- 26% have trouble with vision most of the time
- 23% need help with bathing some or most of the time
- 20% have trouble with hearing most of the time
- 20% need help with eating some or most of the time
Unfortunately, the list goes on. Brain injury has a widespread and far-reaching impact on the victim’s life, as well as the lives of those around them. Even with rehabilitation, the injured person may require assistance with daily tasks for the rest of their lives.
We encourage everyone to take National Brain Injury Awareness month to educate themselves on brain injury. It is particularly important to cultivate an understanding of this condition so that those suffering from it have the support they need.
>> If you or a family member has suffered a traumatic brain injury as the result of an accident or vehicle collision in Ontario, you can seek the help of an experienced personal injury lawyer to help ease the financial burden. Contact us for immediate support and a free consultation.
Image source: http://www.obia.ca/