FORT LEE, Va. (April 2, 2015) -- As the seasons transition from winter to spring, many find themselves engaging in outdoor activities with family and friends. Those activities, however, have the potential for injury if we do not wear personal protection. It is important that we keep safety in mind during this time of year and protect our most prized possession by using our heads to prevent brain injuries.
It's important to increase awareness of brain injuries. A Traumatic Brain Injury occurs when an individual has sustained a bump, blow or jolt to the head or penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal functioning of the brain as stated by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It can vary from mild, moderate or severe. Some common symptoms may include headache, confusion, dizziness, or nausea.
According to the Brain Injury Association of America, 2.4 million people sustain a TBI every year in America. Most people are able to return quickly to their daily lives, however at least 125,000 people yearly are considered permanently disabled by this type of injury. Brain Injuries are serious and more common than you may imagine. It can be seen on the battlefield, football field, playground and even in one's home. Traumatic Brain Injury awareness is becoming more prevalent in the media with the NFL and military alike. As our men and women in the armed services return home and reintegrate with family these once misunderstood and misdiagnosed symptoms are becoming well known through research and treatment.
Brain Injury awareness should be a yearlong commitment to ensure everyone protects their friends, families and co-workers against preventable injury and early evaluation.
Remember to use your head and ensure while you are enjoying the warmer temperatures with family and friends that you utilize helmets when riding bikes, seatbelts when riding in a car and seek early medical evaluation for head trauma. If you or someone you know may have sustained a concussion you need to be seen by a health care professional immediately after injury and may require ongoing evaluation and treatment. At Fort Lee, initial evaluation is done through your primary care provider at Kenner Army Health Clinic. There your primary care team will work together to evaluate your immediate needs and refer you to the proper treatment if indicated with a network provider or another military treatment facility.
For further information on concussions/ Traumatic Brain Injury: visit www.cdc.gov, www.dvbic.org or www.biausa.org.
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