March is Brain Injury Awareness Month
More than 5.3 million Americans are currently living with an invisible, but severe disability, known as a brain injury. In fact, every 9 seconds, someone in the United States sustains a brain injury.
The lasting effects of a brain injury vary in severity and can impact a person’s mood, personality, career and ability to function independently. The DES Rehabilitation Services Administration and its partners help Arizonans with brain injuries year-round to complete their educational and employment goals to achieve self-sufficiency.
Types of Brain Injuries
Acquired Brain Injuries occur after birth and are a result of incidents including electric shock, near drowning, substance abuse/overdose, seizure disorder, and stroke.
Traumatic Brain Injuries occur as a result of an external force which may include a fall, motor vehicle accident, assault, or other incidents.
Prevention
You can help reduce instances of brain injury by following these recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
- Wear a seatbelt and never drive impaired
- Secure children in a rear-facing car seat until they are 4 years old or have reached the manufacturer's maximum weight recommendations
- Have children wear helmets or well-fitted headgear while participating in sports and riding bikes, scooters, skateboards and hoverboards
- Install safety gates to prevent children from entering dangerous areas
- Prevent older individuals from falls with regular eye exams and medication review
If you or someone you know has sustained a brain injury, DES may be able to help. Visit des.az.gov/rsa for more information.
*Source: Brain Injury Association of America
Read text version of March is Brain Injury Awareness Month infographic.