Non-traumatic and traumatic brain injuries are more common than we might think, affecting millions of people each year. While many of us are aware of the immediate consequences of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and acquired brain injuries (ABI), several facts remain largely unknown to the public. Here are five facts about brain injury everyone should know.
They Have “Invisible” Long-Term Effects
While it’s commonly known that brain injuries can cause immediate harm, the long-term effects are often termed “invisible” because they can manifest in subtle yet profound ways. Individuals may experience persistent cognitive deficits following a brain injury, including memory, attention, and problem-solving difficulties. Furthermore, brain injuries can lead to emotional and behavioral changes, such as increased irritability, impulsivity, depression, and an overall shift in personality.
Physical challenges may also progress, including headaches, sleep disturbances, and increased sensitivity to light and sound. The diverse pathophysiological mechanisms contributing to these long-term effects involve ongoing neuroinflammatory processes, alterations in cerebral blood flow, and neurodegenerative changes that can exacerbate the brain’s vulnerability to additional injuries and potentially accelerate age-related cognitive decline.
They Can Greatly Impact Mental Health
After a brain injury, individuals might face a range of mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other emotional difficulties. These problems can arise from the physical damage to the brain and the emotional shock of the event that caused the injury.
Even mild TBIs, which were once thought to be relatively harmless, can cause mental health issues. The risk and severity of these mental health challenges can differ greatly between people, like military members, athletes, and everyday people, influenced by various factors that make up their day-to-day lives.
Veterans are at Higher Risk of TBI-Induced Strokes
Military veterans with a history of TBIs face an increased long-term risk of having a stroke, according to and American Heart Association study. The research, examining over 610,000 veterans, found that those who suffered a head injury were 69% more likely to experience a stroke. This risk is particularly acute in the first year following the injury but remains elevated for over a decade afterward.
Severity also matters as veterans with more severe TBIs face even higher risks. The study explains the continuous danger TBIs remain well beyond the immediate aftermath of the injury, linking them to both ischemic strokes, where blood flow to the brain is obstructed, and hemorrhagic strokes, which involve bleeding into the brain tissue.
TBIs Can Accelerate Aging
Traumatic brain injuries, often perceived as singular episodes with finite recovery periods, have complex interactions with the aging process that transcend our traditional understanding. 2023 research suggests that TBIs contribute to immediate neurological disruption and accelerate the brain’s aging process, with microglia—the brain’s immune cells—being the main focus.
After a TBI, microglia show a phenotype similar to an aging brain’s, characterized by increased phagocytosis (engulfing and digesting cellular debris and pathogens), oxidative stress, and inflammatory action. This state, while part of the brain’s attempt to repair and clean up, can inadvertently increase neuronal damage and affect neurodegenerative processes.
Life After a Brain Injury Can be Healthy and Fulfilling
By learning and accepting the changes a brain injury introduces, people can find new ways to adapt and enjoy life. Eggleston’s Brain Injury Services provides specialized case management for individuals who have experienced disabilities due to a brain injury. Their program focuses on addressing the complex needs of survivors, including cognition, behavior, and physical limitations.
Through personalized service plans, Eggleston’s Case Managers empower people living with brain injuries to maximize their potential and actively participate in their communities. These services are free to the individual and include guidance, education, and linkage to community resources.
Eggleston also operates Beacon House, an ABI Clubhouse, where members with acquired brain injuries gain a support system and work together to lead their lives, develop skills, and rebuild social relationships.
No matter the severity of your brain injury, it has the potential to alter your perspective on life. The acquired and traumatic brain injury facts above can help you regain your stride and build a life filled with purpose and happiness.
For more information on how we guide individuals with ABIs and TBIs, contact Eggleston.