Awareness

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability among children and young adults in the United States. Each year an estimated 2.8 million  (1 in 5) Americans sustain a TBI. As a consequence of these injuries: 

  • 230,000 people are hospitalized and survive.
  • 50,000 people die. 
  • 80,000 to 90,000 people experience the onset of long-term disability. 

As the cumulative result of past traumatic brain injuries, an estimated 5.3 million men, women, and children are living with a permanent TBI-related disability in the United States today. 

Be Aware

Neurological injuries can happen to anyone, changing the lives of the patient and their loved ones in the blink of an eye.

The leading causes of Brain or Neurologic injuries are:

  • Falls
  • Motor vehicle crashes and traffic-related incidents
  • Collisions with an object, and assaults.
  • Sports and recreational activities are also a significant cause of, especially among young people. 

Neurological injuries are not always visible, making it difficult to understand the severity and frequency of the lives impacted by such. Individuals who show or report one or more of the signs and symptoms listed below, or simply say they just “don’t feel right” after a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or body may have a concussion or a more serious brain injury.

  • Headache or “pressure” in the head. 
  • Nausea or vomiting. 
  • Balance problems or dizziness, or double or blurry vision. 
  • Bothered by light or noise. 
  • Feeling sluggish, hazy, foggy, or groggy. 
  • Confusion, or concentration or memory problems. 
  • Just not “feeling right,” or “feeling down” 
  • Can’t recall events prior to or after a hit or fall. 
  • Appears dazed or stunned. 
  • Forgets an instruction, is confused about an assignment or position or is unsure of the game, score, or opponent. 
  • Moves clumsily. 
  • Answers questions slowly.
  • Loses consciousness (even briefly). 
  • Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes. 
  • Can’t recall events prior to or after a hit or fall. 

If you think that you or a loved one could have suffered a neurological injury, please visit the emergency room immediately.

Reference: CDC.gov

 

What is a Concussion?

A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury—or TBI—caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth.

Concussions Are Serious.

Sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, creating chemical changes in the brain and sometimes stretching and damaging brain cells.

Medical providers may describe a concussion as a “mild” brain injury because concussions are usually not life-threatening. Even so, the effects of a concussion can be serious.

 

Schools & Sports Organizations

School and sports staff play a vital role in creating a culture that values safety and open communication, encourages youth to report concussion symptoms, and supports youth throughout the process of recovery.

Below are resources for Coaches, Teams, and Sporting Groups from the Oklahoma State Health Department:

Concussion Awareness

Click here for the: DEVELOPING CONCUSSION POLICIES: A Guide for School Districts

Click here for the:  DEVELOPING CONCUSSION POLICIES: A Guide for Youth Sports Organizations

Contact us to receive Concussion Policies and Guideline brochures: Info@BrainInjuryRF.org

Oklahoma’s Concussion Law

Oklahoma has a law concerning sports-related head injuries that impacts all school districts and youth sports organizations. The most recent version of this legislation went into effect November 1, 2016 (70 O.S. § 24-155).

Because a single concussion is seldom life-threatening, concussions may be referred to as mild traumatic brain injuries, or mTBIs, to distinguish concussions from TBIs with more severe long-term outcomes. Despite this label, the effects of a concussion can still be very serious and should be treated as such. The brain continues to grow and develop into the mid-twenties; disruptions to that development from a TBI in childhood and adolescence can have long-term consequences on brain function.

Reference: Oklahoma State Health Department

What is a TBI?

TBI is short for Traumatic Brain Injury

Long-Term Effects. A person with a severe brain injury will need to be hospitalized and may have long-term problems affecting things such as:

  • Thinking
  • Memory
  • Learning
  • Coordination and balance
  • Speech, hearing or vision
  • Emotions
  • Daily activities

A severe brain injury can affect ALL aspects of people’s lives, including relationships with family and friends, as well as their ability to work or be employed, do household chores, drive, and/or do other normal daily activities.