Brain injuries are the leading cause of death and disability world-wide. Despite these statistics, and the high percentage of these injuries in comparison to other life-threatening illnesses, there is less funding provided. There are also fewer services available for the survivors.
Very few people understand the problems associated with injuries such as these. The majority know nothing about brain injuries until it happens to them or their loved one. When my partner had his serious motorcycle accident, I was one of those people. At this time many survivors will feel the numerous losses associated with brain injury - many will experience the loss of some family members and often their friends. They will continue their journey through life with injuries that are invisible to a public that has little understanding or awareness of what it means to have a brain injury. It is a long, lonely walk for those people living with the serious effects resulting from their injuries.
The good news is that most can be prevented. Educating young people on how to prevent them should be as important as teaching children the rudiments of math and English. Education should emphasize safety and how to reduce risk factors. Most of these injuries are caused by motor vehicle accidents, falls, sports injuries or violence and often by carelessness.
By adhering to the following rules, most of us could prevent brain injuries: a) don't drink and drive; b) wear seat belts; c) wear approved safety helmets when biking, snowboarding, motorcycling, etc.; d) use proper equipment when playing sports; e) make common sense choices and decisions; f) use caution.
The effects of brain injury are as follows: cognitive, physical and psychological difficulties; short-term memory loss, lack of information processing skills, poor concentration and chronic fatigue, difficulty in completing tasks, depression, mood swings, anger and irritability. The impact of these injuries is not only felt by the brain injured survivor but by his family, the health care system and the community.
Because of the lack of public awareness concerning the number of brain injuries that occur each year, little is done for the survivors. Support services are wherever the family can find them but most fall through the cracks. Because of the lack of services and awareness, a large portion of those in the prison system have been discovered to have previously incurred injuries of this type. It is important that the public be made aware of the causes, impact and prevention.
In the United States, March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. In Canada, it is June. It is important for each of us to remember that brain injuries can happen to all of us.
Sylvia Behnish has published her first non-fiction book entitled 'Roller Coaster Ride With Brain Injury (For Loved Ones)'. It tells of her partner's journey along the path of progress during the first year following his accident. She has also had numerous articles published in newspapers and magazines in both Canada and the United States.To order 'Roller Coaster Ride With Brain Injury (For Loved Ones)' go to: orders@trafford.com Website: http://www.talesbysylvia.com Blog: http://www.progressofabraininjury.blogspot.com
