Brain Injury Awareness Week
Brain Injury Awareness Week is from May 11 to May 17, and aims to raise awareness about the issues that people suffering from brain injuries face. The theme this year is Invest In Brain Health: A Priority For All. There can be many causes of brain injury, such as a fall, the head being struck against or by something, motor accidents, or an assault, no matter the cause, brain injuries can be extremely devastating. The best way to support brain injury survivors is by being there for them. Studies show that physical wounds heal faster and more efficiently if a person is mentally motivated and happy. Awareness is a great first step. Learn more about Brain Injury Awareness.
The History
Brain Injury Awareness Week was first established by Headway, a British organization dedicated to supporting accident survivors as well as preventing brain injuries. It helps individuals recover and rehabilitates them by providing them with the necessary treatment to get back on their feet, and either get back to work or find new a job or opportunity. Much like we do here at NWRTW.
In the past, a brain injury often meant severe or permanent disability. To relieve people of the problems caused by brain injuries, doctors, due to a lack of research, would drill holes into their skulls. This drilling technique would often result in other serious complications and sometimes death.
However, by the 20th century, with advanced medical research, more brain injury patients became survivors instead of victims. Brain injuries are measured and diagnosed according to their severity (mild, moderate, and severe). Also known as intracranial injury, brain injuries can be caused by external impacts and/or rapid acceleration/deceleration, and brain injury victims can suffer from social, physical, mental, behavioral, and emotional symptoms that may be temporary or permanent.
Several factors can determine the extent to which a brain injury can or will impact a person’s life, the actions of those who are around the victim, the response time of the medical team, the quality of the medical treatment and equipment, and the care they receive throughout their journey.
Brain Injury Treatment Services at NWRTW
People with brain injuries should consult professionals to seek the appropriate treatment for their individual problems. Preventative measures, as well as medication and physical/mental therapies, can also help the recovery process.
Our Brain Injury Rehabilitation Therapy (BIRT) utilizes outpatient treatment that is integrated, comprehensive, and evidence-based to help workers with brain injuries return to work. The goal of the program is to reduce and manage a client’s symptoms, improve their overall condition, and teach skills/techniques to assist in their path to return to work.
Treatment is tailored to provide each individual an opportunity to reclaim his or her independence, self-efficacy, quality of life, and productivity.
Facts About the Brain You Might Not Know
- Humans use 100% of their brains—even while sleeping.
- A baby’s brain will grow three times its size during the first year of its life.
- Dreaming is a combination of neurology, psychology, and imagination, and means that the brain is still active even while we sleep.
- A bigger brain size has no impact on someone’s intelligence.
- Your brain uses around 20% of the oxygen and blood in your body.
Learn more about Brain Injury Rehabilitation Therapy HERE.
Or, CONTACT US for more information