Brain Injury Awareness Month
What Is a Brain Injury?
A brain injury (BI) refers to any damage to the brain that occurs after birth and is not congenital or degenerative. This includes traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from external forces, and non-traumatic brain injuries (nTBI) from internal events such as strokes, oxygen deprivation, or infections.
Brain injuries affect every aspect of life. Some effects are visible - mobility challenges, speech problems, balance issues, or seizures. Many are invisible -memory difficulties, fatigue, headaches, emotional changes, anxiety, or social withdrawal. In Canada, an estimated 1.6 million people live with a brain injury, and around 200,000 new TBIs occur each year. Recovery is unique for each person and often requires support from health professionals, family, and the community.
What Is a Concussion?
A concussion is a type of mild TBI caused by a sudden impact or movement that shakes the brain inside the skull. Even though concussions are often called “mild,” they can seriously affect thinking, memory, mood, and daily activities. Standard scans often cannot detect them, making awareness critical.
Concussion Stats
- 200,000 Canadians experience concussions each year
- Youth aged 12–19 are 5.2 times more likely than adults aged 40–62 to report a concussion
- 15–30% of individuals experience symptoms beyond 2–4 weeks
Common causes vary by age: sports and recreation for youth, motor vehicle collisions for adults, and falls for older adults. Concussions can also occur at work, during daily activities, or in recreational accidents.
Signs & Symptoms
- Physical: headache or pressure in the head, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, blurred vision, sensitivity to light or sound, balance problems, fatigue, or low energy, feeling “off”
- Cognitive: memory problems, trouble concentrating, thinking slowly, feeling “in a fog”
- Emotional: irritability, easily upset or angered, sadness, anxiety, feeling more emotional than usual
- Sleep: changes in sleep patterns, including sleeping more or less than usual, or difficulty falling asleep
Seek urgent medical care for severe symptoms such as repeated vomiting, seizures, one-sided weakness, persistent confusion, or uncontrollable bleeding.
Prevention Tips
- Use handrails, secure rugs, and keep walkways clear
- Wear seatbelts and helmets; follow traffic rules
- Follow workplace safety protocols and use protective gear
- Use proper safety equipment in sports and recreation
- Childproof homes with gates, window guards, and safe play areas
Coping & Recovery Strategies
- Follow medical guidance and attend regular check-ins
- Gradually return to work or school with accommodations
- Increase activity slowly while managing fatigue
- Seek mental health support and rehabilitation services
- Build a strong support network of family, friends, and community resources
Resources & Support
For additional information and support, visit:
- Brain Injury Canada: Brain Injury Canada - Supporting the brain injury community
- Ontario Brain Injury Association: obia.ca
- Parachute Canada – Concussion Awareness: Concussion – Parachute
Timely medical evaluation and treatment following a BI or suspected concussion can make a critical difference in outcomes. By understanding brain injuries and concussions and supporting those affected, we can create a safer, healthier community for everyone.