Katie Pierce, PT, DPT
How “Aware” are You about Brain Injury?
Perhaps you have been following recent national news on the impact of concussions on athletes. Perhaps you too are troubled by the staggering number of service members and veterans affected by blast injury. Maybe you have a loved one affected by Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), Aneurism, or Stroke. Perhaps you are one of the 3.5 million Americans living with a disability from acquired brain injury.
March is the month: Help Raise Awareness of Brain Injury.
Awareness and education lead to injury prevention, as well as improved outcomes for those living with the effects of brain injury.
Some Brain Injury Facts*:
- Every 23 seconds, someone in the United States sustains a brain injury.
- More than 45,000 people in Arizona are currently living with a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).
- Falls are the most common cause of TBI. Motor vehicle accidents are second.
- Higher-risk groups: children birth to four, seniors, youth ages 15-19, military personnel, and Native Americans.
- The Invisible Injury: Disabilities from brain injury are often not noticeable to the eye. Additionally, mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI, concussion) does not show up on medical imaging, such as MRI scans. Because of this, individuals may have their lives changed by brain injury, yet go undiagnosed for years.
*Source: Brain Injury Alliance of Arizona: www.biaaz.org
Recovery After Brain Injury: Physical Therapy is Key!
Physical symptoms after brain injury may include:
- Balance and walking challenges
- Loss of strength and mobility; partial paralysis
- Dizziness and nausea
- Difficulty with fine motor tasks and coordination, especially when tired, stressed, or trying to multi-task
A physical therapist skilled in neurological and vestibular rehabilitation can develop a plan of care to address these symptoms and help the person regain maximal functioning and quality of life.
If you or a loved one struggle with symptoms after Brain Injury, call the expert physical therapists at CoreBalance Therapy for an evaluation:
(928) 556-9935; or email [email protected].