March Is Brain Injury Awareness Month

The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) conducts an awareness campaign each year in March to educate about the prevalence of brain injury and the needs of people with brain injuries and their families. The goal is to de-stigmatize the injury, empower those who have survived, and promote the many types of support that are available.

Each year an estimated 2.4 million children and adults in the United States sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI), and another 795,000 individuals sustain an acquired brain injury (ABI) from non-traumatic causes. TBI’s can affect the functionality of the brain and can have a significant impact on individuals and their families. Below are some statistics regarding brain injuries, according to the CDC:

• The leading cause of TBI-related death varied by age.
  • Falls were the leading cause of death for persons 65 years or older.
  • Motor vehicle crashes were the leading cause for children and young adults ages 5-24 years.
• Men had higher rates of TBI hospitalizations and ER visits than women.
• Hospitalization rates were highest among persons aged 65 years and older.
• Rates of ER visits were highest for children aged 0-4 years.
• Falls were the leading cause of TBI-related ED visits for all but one age group.

Traumatic brain injuries may strike your athlete at any time. Privit Profile^TM includes a Concussion section where athletes can complete the Symptom Evaluation section from the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool (SCAT3) that can assist athletic trainers and medical staff to bring concussed athletes back to their baseline symptoms.

Privit Profile™ is dedicated to helping athletic trainers, coaches, athletic departments, and other organized athletic programs develop best practices for compliance when it comes to improving the health and safety of your athlete.

For more information on Brain Injury Awareness Month, as well as tips to help raise awareness about brain injuries, visit the BIAA website at www.biausa.org.