FORT LEE, Va. (March 30, 2017) -- March is National Brain Injury Awareness Month, a time when Kenner Army Health Clinic raises awareness of head trauma dangers..
Traumatic Brain Injury is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or by a penetrating injury that disrupts the brain's normal function, though not all blows or jolts to the head result in a TBI.
Coretta Custis is a nurse case manager in the active duty clinic. For eight years, she has worked with people who have suffered concussions and other brain injuries. She said the causes and contributing factors are numerous.
"Most non-duty related brain injuries we see in the active duty clinic occur from motor vehicle or motorcycle accidents,'' said Custis.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, headquartered in Atlanta, 1.7 million people in the United States suffer from a TBI-related injury every year. Custis said people who have sustained severe brain injuries typically have to re-learn simple tasks, such as walking and tying their shoes, but recovery she said goes even further than that and can take years.
"Many find recovering from brain injuries frustrating. That could lead to depression," said Custis.
During the month of March, Kenner is raising awareness by educating the public on where to receive help. Custis said it's important that the public is aware as effects of this injury are typically not visible and individuals need to know how to respond to someone dealing with this type of injury.
Current data shows that in the United States, just over 5 million people suffer from TBI, but Smith believes that number could be much higher.
Custis asked those who believe they may have a brain injury to seek help from their primary care provider, therapist or counselor.
For more information about the Brain Injury Association of America , visit its website at www.biausa.org/brain-injury-awareness-month.htm.
Additional information can be found at www.nih.gov/news-events/nih-research-matters/insights-into-brain-injury
Social Sharing