The month of March is designated for Brain Injury Awareness.
Brain injuries include fall-related damage to the brain, forceful impact to the head, or penetration by sharp objects. Older people are at increased risk of sustaining a brain injury and experiencing associated adverse outcomes.
At least 2.8 million people in the U.S. sustain traumatic brain injuries per year. The lasting effects can be so severe they can impact a person’s mood, personality, career, and ability to function independently.
Concussions most often occur as a result of blows to the head. While most concussions are not life-threatening, long-term effects of traumatic brain injury could affect some patients and require prolonged medical care. Early medical assistance after a sustained head injury can make a difference.