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Frequently Asked QuestionsThis page was revised Tuesday, August 30, 2005 08:31 PM. Table of Contents
What is Head Injury?Any injury to the head can be classified as a head injury. Whether the head hits something or if something hits the head or something penetrates the head, a person can acquire a "head injury." Some injuries to the head can be more severe than others. In some cases of head injury, the force is sufficient to cause trauma to the various cells that make up the tissue of the brain.
What is Brain Injury?Each human brain contains 100 billion (more or less) neurons and many times that number of supporting cells. Each individual neuron can be connected to more than 500,000 other neurons. Within each separate, tiny piece of the brain there are billions of synapses. Any twisting, compression or stretching of the brain can potentially alter the physical status for any or every one of these cells, each connection to other cells and the blood vessels that feed them. The above described acquired cellular alteration is what we call traumatic brain injury. It can be caused by a host of means. Most often brain injury occurs when the head comes to a sudden stop while traveling. Sometimes brain trauma occurs when an object strikes the head. Other times, brain injury can occur when an object penetrates the skull and enters the brain. Brain damage can be diffuse, involving more than one area of the brain. It can also be specific, or focal, confined to one area of the brain. The alteration of brain cells can leave the individual with varying degrees of change and oftentimes impairment. The human brain is a complex organ. Any injury, whether mild (as in concussion) or severe can leave the person with impairment that lasts long after the initial injury. People who survive brain injury often deal with altered personality, anxiety, depression and loss of self-confidence. In some cases, the person who survives may lack self-awareness of any existing deficits which can make treatment difficult. Facts About The Incidence of Brain InjuryEvery 15 seconds someone sustains a brain injury in the U.S.; every five minutes, one of those people will die and another will become permanently disabled. (Source: The Neurotrauma Law Nexus) According to the Brain Injury Association, USA, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has recently estimated that there are 5.1 million persons living with long term, severe disability as a result of brain injury, and as many as 6.5 million persons living with some form of injury, including mild and moderate brain injuries. (source: biausa) If we take 6.5 million and divide that by 50 states, we find an estimated 130,000 Pennsylvanians are living with some form of brain injury. If we divide this number by the number of counties in PA (67) we find nearly 2,000 people are living with brain injury in each county. Multiply that by the number of people every individual life touches and we find the number of people whose lives are affected in some way by brain injury to be unimaginable. According to the Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania, an estimated 2,000 fatalities occur due to traumatic brain injury each year in Pennsylvania. Also, more than 41,000 people are treated in Pennsylvania hospital emergency rooms for concussion and mild brain injury and almost 8,000 hospitalized each year due to traumatic brain injuries sustained in car accidents, work place accidents, falls, assaults, sports accidents and other injuries.
I sustained a head injury, am I at risk of sustaining another one?Not everyone that sustains a head injury or brain injury will necessarily sustain additional brain or head trauma. However, studies have shown that a person who sustains a brain injury is at an increased risk of acquiring additional brain injuries. This may be because of cognitive impairment, changes in behavior, and reduced inhibitions.
Is there any hope for brain cell repair or replacement?The Jury is still out on that question. However, In October, 1999, researchers at Princeton University discovered that new neurons are continually being added to the brains of adult monkeys. They determined that neurons are added to the cerebral cortex of the brain. People who sustain and survive brain trauma may find hope in these findings. Since monkeys and humans have very similar brain structures, researchers believe that similar regeneration occurs in humans. The cerebral cortex is the most complex part of the brain, responsible for higher level decision making and learning. This important discovery can have a significant impact on the way that we view brain injury rehabilitation outcome. Some researchers believe we can improve our ability to process information by eating right and supplementing our diet with certain nutrients that have shown promise in aiding brain function. Recent research has determined stress to be a component in reduced cognitive functioning. Therefore, reducing the amount of stress in our life can be valuable to our overall ability to process information. This is true for all people whether they have sustained brain injury or not.
Does nutrition affect brain functioning?The human brain is the most complex part of our body. Each human cell requires nutrients to remain functional in the body and to reproduce properly. By supplying your brain with the nutrients that are needed to maintain optimum performance, you may experience a greater degree of cognitive functioning. Some members of our group have found success with a variety of foods and supplements. A list of nutritional supplements that some members use and any benefits that the members report will be posted here in the future. Please share your nutritional experiences with us.
How do I find a support group in my area?The support group schedule list may help you find a support group in your area. Click here to visit our schedule page. Please contact the person listed to confirm the meeting time and place. If you are unable to find a support group meeting in your area, consider starting one! We will provide information and other resources to assist you in your endeavor. Contact John to receive FREE Support Group Assistance Materials and free one on one help via email or telephone consultations.
Where can I find brain injury rehabilitation services?There are many companies that provide rehabilitation services. We have provided links to some possible sites for you to find the information you are searching for. The PABIA is not affiliated with any rehabilitation service provision companies. We do not maintain a database of companies. In an effort to serve you, we have supplied the following information and links to additional information. BIA USA This link will take you to the BIA USA Treatment & Rehabilitation Page. The following links will take you to the information about the following topics on the Bia USA website. Pennsylvania Association of Rehabilitation Facilities~ Provides list of all member rehabilitation companies within the State of Pennsylvania. Contact the chairperson of the brain injury committee of the Pennsylvania Association of Rehabilitation Facilities Jack Poplar for more information or to obtain a list of member companies.
How can I help?There are many ways to help.
These are just a few ways that you can actively participate in the quest for improving the quality of life for people that have sustained brain injury and their family care givers.
What is the Brain Injury Association?The Brain Injury Association was born out of the National Head Injury Foundation (NHIF.) The National Head Injury Foundation organization was started in 1980 by family members of people that had survived traumatic brain injuries. As the organization grew, it expanded into a nationwide network of state chapters and support groups. The mission of the Brain Injury Association is to create a better future through brain injury prevention, research, education and advocacy. The Brain Injury Association has evolved into the fine organization it is today because of the dedication of many people. You can access a wealth of information at the biausa.org site.
Is there a Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania?Yes. Several statewide brain injury organizations have come and gone throughout the past fifteen years in Pennsylvania. Currently, a state affiliate of the Brain Injury Association, USA is operating in Pennsylvania. The stated mission of the Brain Injury Association of Pennsylvania is to prevent brain injury and improve the quality of life for survivors and their families through support, education, advocacy and research. Several people from the Pittsburgh Area Brain Injury Alliance and southwestern Pennsylvania area were instrumental in the creation of this organization and they continue to volunteer their time as members of the board of directors.
Are there any meetings scheduled in the near future?Yes. Please visit our Schedule Page for more information regarding dates and times of support group meetings.
My Child sustained a brain injury and is unable to function in school, where can we find other schooling options?There are many resources for parents of students with disabilities. One option is to school your child at home. You can read more about this and other options on our Education Page. Can Brain Injury cause Epilepsy?Some cases of Epilepsy have been linked to brain trauma. For more information, check out the following epilepsy websites:
Back to TopYou are visitor Copyright © 2002-2003 Pittsburgh Area Brain Injury Alliance. All rights reserved.Revised: August 30, 2005 08:31 PM .
This site has been designed and is maintained by John Pistorius. Persons interested in making in kind donations can click here.
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