Fact of the Day
Brain Injury Fact of the Day
Sponsored by the Missouri AgrAbility Project
Cultivating Solutions for Farmers with Disabilities
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month. Brain injury changes life in an instant for the person injured as well as his or her family. Brain injury can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime – it does not discriminate. Military personnel, farmers, senior adults, young children, and teenagers are all high-risk populations for brain injury.
19,565 Military Personnel received a medical diagnosis of a traumatic brain injury during the 4 quarters of 2019, according to the Department of Defense. Learn more.
For rural and urban counties in Missouri, accidents/unintentional injuries are the fourth leading cause of death. In rural Missouri between 2007 and 2017, there were 13,482 deaths from unintentional injury, including brain injury. Learn more.
The brain is responsible for everything we do – it controls movements, sensations, speech, thoughts, and emotions. The effects of brain injury fall within four areas – cognitive functioning, physical abilities, perceptions, and psychological health. Every brain injury is different. Learn more.
When brain injury happens, you can feel alone. Nearly 17,000 individuals sustain a brain injury in Missouri each year. Learn more about BIA-MO Support Groups to help find answers and support. Learn more.
Missouri AgrAbility and the Beginning Farmer Rancher Program are resources to help experienced or new farmers be successful in agriculture. Learn more – Missouri AgrAbility. Learn more – Missouri Beginning Farmers.
For more information, contact the Brain Injury Association of Missouri
for support, education, recreation and advocacy at
www.biamo.org or 800-444-6443.
#MoreThanMyBrainInjury #MOAgrAbility #MOBeginningFarmers #ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies
In 2014, traumatic brain injury (TBI) was diagnosed in approximately 288,000 hospitalizations, including more than 23,000 among children. In the same year, TBI contributed to the deaths of 56,800 people, including 2,529 deaths among children. Youth are at high risk of brain injuries from sports, falls, bicycle accidents, motor vehicle crashes, and as a pedestrian being hit by a vehicle.
Make sure the bicycle helmet fits your child properly and he or she knows how to correctly put it on. The helmet should sit on top of the head in a level position. It should not rock forward, backward, or side to side. The helmet straps should always be buckled, but not too tightly. Safe Kids recommends this Helmet Fit Test — EYES check: Position the helmet on your head. Look up and you should see the bottom rim of the helmet. The rim should be one to two finger-widths above the eyebrows. EARS check: Make sure the straps of the helmet form a “V” under your ears when buckled. The strap should be snug but comfortable. MOUTH check: Open your mouth as wide as you can. Do you feel the helmet hug your head? If not, tighten those straps and make sure the buckle is flat against your skin. Learn more.
Sports related concussions may be misdiagnosed or undiagnosed if coaches, parents, and athletes are not familiar with the signs and symptoms of a concussion. It is important to immediately remove a player from competitive play or practice when a concussion is suspected. Learn more.
In 2014, falls were the leading cause of emergency department visits among young children aged 0 to 4 years. Being struck by or against an object was highest among youth 5 to 14 years of age. Learn more.
Youth are our future farmers. The Missouri Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Program is a great resource that provides a blended experience for farmers with 10 years or less of farming experience to learn, adapt and grow together. Learn more.
For more information, contact the Brain Injury Association of Missouri
for support, education, recreation and advocacy at
www.biamo.org or 800-444-6443.
#MoreThanMyBrainInjury #MOAgrAbility #MOBeginningFarmers #ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies
Effects from brain injury can include short-term memory loss, difficulty processing information, and shortened attention span. Physical changes can include limited use of arms, legs, or hands. These issues from a brain injury can make it more difficult or may keep you from farming. Although it does not have to stop you. Modified equipment or alternative methods may be helpful.
Brain injury is complex since no two brain injuries are exactly the same. The effects of a brain injury vary greatly from person to person and depend on factors such as the cause, location, and severity of the injury. Learn more.
Assistive technology and adaptive equipment are available to increase, maintain, or improve functional capabilities of persons with disabilities. This equipment, structure, product system, or modified work practice can help you stay in production farming, ranching, agribusiness, or other livelihood for living independently within your community. Learn more.
The Missouri Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Program provides a blended experience for farmers with 10 years or less of farming experience to learn, adapt and grow together. Training opportunities are available. Learn more.
Brain injury changes life. However, there are actions and behaviors you can utilize to adapt to your life changes from brain injury. For example, change schedules to adjust to increased fatigue from brain injury; keep questions and instructions simple for delayed comprehension and processing time; modify home and work environment based on new physical abilities; and know you are not alone through support and education. Learn more.
For more information, contact the Brain Injury Association of Missouri
for support, education, recreation and advocacy at
www.biamo.org or 800-444-6443.
#MoreThanMyBrainInjury #MOAgrAbility #MOBeginningFarmers #ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies
A Concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury. It is a myth that the person must blackout or lose consciousness to sustain a concussion. Less than 10 percent of concussions have a loss of consciousness by the person. Once an individual sustains a concussion or more severe brain injury, he or she is at a greater risk of sustaining another brain injury.
Second-impact syndrome results from acute, often fatal brain swelling that occurs when a second concussion is sustained before complete recovery from a previous concussion. This is thought to cause vascular congestion and increased intracranial pressure, which can occur very rapidly and may be difficult or impossible to control. The risk of second-impact syndrome is higher in sports such as boxing, football, ice or roller hockey, soccer, baseball, basketball, and snow skiing. Learn more.
Any athlete or person who has sustained a concussion or who shows signs of concussion should immediately be removed from physical activity that puts that person at risk of being hit in the head or body. This removal from play should be for 24 hours. Some signs of concussion include: disorientation, vomiting, headache, fatigue, ringing in ears, confusion, and more. Learn more.
Physical and cognitive rest are needed for recovery from a concussion. However, complete inactivity is no longer recommended. Some light activity and school participation, after a day or two, is beneficial for the individual during concussion recovery. Learn more.
For more information, contact the Brain Injury Association of Missouri
for support, education, recreation and advocacy at
www.biamo.org or 800-444-6443.
#MoreThanMyBrainInjury #MOAgrAbility #MOBeginningFarmers #ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies
Approximately 5.3 million Americans are living with a long-term disability resulting from brain injury. Each year another 80,000 to 90,000 individuals become permanently disabled from a brain injury that can include limited mobility, short-term memory, inability to concentrate, poor balance, blurry or double vision, depression, and chronic pain.
As the cumulative result of past traumatic brain injuries, an estimated 5.3 million men, women, and children are living with a permanent traumatic brain injury-related disability in the United States. Learn more.
Since disabilities from brain injury are often not readily apparent to the public others – unlike a broken leg for example – brain injury is referred to as an invisible disability. However, the permanent disabilities arising from cognitive, emotional, sensory, and motor impairments can alter the person’s vocational goals and impact family and social relationships. Learn more.
Examples of disabilities due to brain injury can include short-term memory, depression, limited mobility, difficulty thinking, processing new information or problem solving, anxiety, visual impairments, and hearing loss. Education and support can help as you and your loved one adjust to life with brain injury. Learn more.
Daily living and farm operations may need to be changed. Help is available. Learn more – Missouri AgrAbility.
Attend a BIA-MO Support Group. Learn more.
For more information, contact the Brain Injury Association of Missouri
for support, education, recreation and advocacy at
www.biamo.org or 800-444-6443.
#MoreThanMyBrainInjury #MOAgrAbility #MOBeginningFarmers #ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies
Brain injury changes life for the person injured as well as his or her family. Due to changes in the physical abilities, cognitive functioning, balance, vision, fatigue, and emotions of the person injured, the spouse or children may increase or change their responsibilities with the family farm. Modifications to equipment and farming operation may be helpful too.
Adaptive devices and assistive technology help individuals who sustain a brain injury and the resulting disabilities to be successful in farming, ranching, or other agribusiness. Missouri Assistive Technology has adaptive devices for other resources available. Learn more.
Brain injury happens in an instant and affects the entire family. At some point, most of us will be unpaid caregivers for a loved one. When brain injury occurs, this care may be long-term and can be overwhelming as well as impact family finances and relationships. Care and support are also needed for the caregivers. Learn more.
Support, education, recreation, and advocacy are available for survivors of brain injury, family members, friends, professional caregivers, and the community through the Brain Injury Association of Missouri. Learn more.
Missouri AgrAbility assists people with diseases, disabilities, or disorders employed in agriculture. AgrAbility provides professional training, on-the-farm assessment, technical assistance, information dissemination, and referral to other service providers. Learn more.
For more information, contact the Brain Injury Association of Missouri
for support, education, recreation and advocacy at
www.biamo.org or 800-444-6443.
#MoreThanMyBrainInjury #MOAgrAbility #MOBeginningFarmers #ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies
A traumatic brain injury is an intrusion, blow or jolt to the head or body that interrupts the normal operation of the brain. Notice, you do not have to hit your head to sustain a brain injury. Often times, there is no visible damage to the head or skull, but the changes in cognitive function and abilities impact daily living for the person injured and their family members.
Traumatic brain injury is defined by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) as a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. Learn more.
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. Learn more.
A coup contrecoup injury is when the brain first strikes one side of the skull during the impact and then bounces back against the opposite side of the skull. A generalized injury to the brain can occur when there are stretching or shearing forces applied to the entire brain. Learn more.
The brain is responsible for everything we do – it controls movements, sensations, speech, thoughts, and emotions. The effects of brain injury fall within four areas – cognitive functioning, physical abilities, perceptions, and psychological health. Every brain injury is different. Learn more.
For more information, contact the Brain Injury Association of Missouri
for support, education, recreation and advocacy at
www.biamo.org or 800-444-6443.
#MoreThanMyBrainInjury #MOAgrAbility #MOBeginningFarmers #ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies
Hospital inpatient care for traumatic brain injury (TBI) can cost nearly $8,000 per day, and the cost of rehabilitative care can reach $1,000 per day. The cost of lifetime care for a person who sustains a TBI can be as high as $3 million. The annual cost of brain injury to society exceeds $76.5 billion dollars each year in the United States. This includes medical care, rehabilitation services, home modifications, and loss of productivity.
According to Research America, CDC research shows that, if adopted, new emergency TBI guidelines could save $288 million in medical and rehabilitation costs and $3.8 billion in indirect costs such as support for the cognitive, physical, perceptional, and emotional long-term effects of brain injury. Learn more.
The cost of brain injury depends on the severity and long-term effects of the brain injury. Rehabilitation and home, life, and school support may be needed. Learn more.
The effects of brain injury that impact the cost for the family and society include changes to cognitive functioning, physical abilities, perceptions, and emotions. Learn more.
The Missouri Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Program provides a blended experience for farmers with 10 years or less of farming experience to learn, connect, and grow. Learn more.
For more information, contact the Brain Injury Association of Missouri
for support, education, recreation and advocacy at
www.biamo.org or 800-444-6443.
#MoreThanMyBrainInjury #MOAgrAbility #MOBeginningFarmers #ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies
It is estimated that as many as 3.8 million concussions occur in the USA per year during competitive sports and recreational activities; however, as many as 50 percent of the concussions may go unreported. Signs of a concussion include dizziness, blurred vision, slurred words, appearing dazed, walking or running off balance, headache or a change in sleep patterns – just to name a few.
Youth and young adults are at high risk of concussions from sports and motor vehicle crashes. In rural Missouri, these individuals are our future farmers.
The symptoms of a concussion may last only a few minutes to a few weeks, months or, in rare cases, years. Recognizing the signs of a potential concussion and removal from play for 24 hours is important. Reduction, not elimination, of physical and cognitive activity is now recommended after a day or two of increased rest. Learn more.
Sports and recreation-related concussions are a leading cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI)-related emergency department visits among children and teens. Children and teens make up approximately 70 percent of all sports- and recreation-related concussions seen in the emergency department. Learn more.
Prevention is the only cure for brain injury, including concussions or mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). Safety and prevention practices include wearing a helmet, wearing a seatbelt, no distracted driving, and no driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Learn more.
The Missouri Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Program provides a blended experience for farmers with 10 years or less of farming experience to learn, connect and grow. Learn more.
For more information, contact the Brain Injury Association of Missouri
for support, education, recreation and advocacy at
www.biamo.org or 800-444-6443.
#MoreThanMyBrainInjury #MOAgrAbility #MOBeginningFarmers #ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies
Life expectancy for rural Missourians is 76 years of age. With falls being the leading cause of brain injury among individuals 65 years and older, farmers are at high risk of sustaining a brain injury that may affect balance, vision, memory, problem solving, fatigue, and more. Brain injury can go untreated if there are no visible signs of the injury, such as a fall.
About 2.07 million Missourians live in rural counties. The life expectancy of individuals in rural communities is over 76.3 years in 2017. The death rate, for all 10 leading causes including brain injury, are higher in rural areas. Learn more.
Prevention is the only cure for brain injury. Ways to reduce the risk of falls would be to put a nonslip mat in the bathroom or shower, remove area rugs, remove clutter from inside and outside halls and walkways, and improve inside and outside lighting. Senior adults are at high risk of a brain injury from a fall. Learn more.
People with traumatic brain injury (TBI) commonly report problems with balance. When you have poor balance you have a high risk of falling and having another brain injury. How bad your balance is depends on many factors:
- How serious your brain injury is.
- Where in your brain you were injured.
- Other injuries you had along with your brain injury.
- Some medications used to manage the medical issues connected with the traumatic event or accident.
The purpose of Missouri AgrAbility is to help increase the likelihood that farmers, ranchers, farm workers, and farm family members who are limited by any type of disability or chronic health condition employed in production agriculture or agriculture-related occupations become more successful. Learn more.
The Missouri Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Program offers training for new farmers to be successful in production agriculture. Learn more.
For more information, contact the Brain Injury Association of Missouri
for support, education, recreation and advocacy at
www.biamo.org or 800-444-6443.
#MoreThanMyBrainInjury #MOAgrAbility #MOBeginningFarmers #ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies
Wearing an approved motorcycle helmet has shown to be effective safety equipment to prevent brain injuries and deaths for riders. According to the CDC, helmets reduce the risk of head injuries from motorcycle crashes by 69 percent and deaths by 37 percent. A study released in 2016 showed that medical charges and rates of head, facial, and brain injuries among motorcyclists were lower in states with universal helmet laws.
According to NCSA, 1,859 motorcyclist lives were saved in 2016 because they were wearing helmets. In addition, if all riders had worn helmets, an additional 802 lives would have been saved. Learn more.
In 2016, there were 127 motorcyclist fatalities in Missouri. Motorcyclist deaths accounted for 13.4 percent of total motor vehicle deaths within the state that year. Learn more.
In addition to tragic loss of life and impact to individual families, motorcycle crashes result in an annual economic loss in Missouri totaling nearly $9.9 million per fatality in 2017. Learn more.
The brain is responsible for everything we do – it controls movements, sensations, speech, thoughts, and emotions. The effects of brain injury fall within four areas – cognitive functioning, physical abilities, perceptions, and psychological health. Every brain injury is different. Learn more.
For more information, contact the Brain Injury Association of Missouri
for support, education, recreation and advocacy at
www.biamo.org or 800-444-6443.
#MoreThanMyBrainInjury #MOAgrAbility #MOBeginningFarmers #ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies
Brain injury can change the personality of the person injured. Someone you love may all of a sudden be more anxious, dependent, angry, shy, or even more outgoing and friendly following a bump or blow to the head or body that may have caused a brain injury. Despite a lack of visible injury to the head, there could be damage to the brain causing the changes in personality.
Brain injury frontal lobe damage affects the personality, judgment, problem solving, self-awareness, monitoring, emotions, and more traits that influence actions, responses, relationships, and behaviors. Frontal lobe damage can be undiagnosed when there are no visible signs of injury. For example, the person hits the car dashboard with no broken skin or bruising, but the brain rapidly hits the inside of the skull causing damage. Learn more.
When the effects of brain injury are not visually apparent to others, there may be difficulty in helping others understand your brain injury. You are not alone. Support, education, and assistance, along with suggestions for you to put in place, may help you adjust to new abilities. Learn more.
A total reversal of behavioral changes after a brain injury may not be possible. A better goal is to try to modify behaviors. There are several interventions available to assist with the modification of those behaviors that negatively affect goal achievement, successful community reintegration, or quality of life for individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Learn more.
People with traumatic brain injury (TBI) commonly report problems with balance. Between 30 percent and 65 percent of people with TBI suffer from dizziness and disequilibrium (lack of balance while sitting or standing) at some point in their recovery. Dizziness includes symptoms such as lightheadedness, vertigo (the sensation that you or your surroundings are moving), and imbalance. Learn more.
For more information, contact the Brain Injury Association of Missouri
for support, education, recreation and advocacy at
www.biamo.org or 800-444-6443.
#MoreThanMyBrainInjury #MOAgrAbility #MOBeginningFarmers #ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies
476,000 youth between the ages of 15 and 24 sustained a brain injury in 2014. Another 319,000 young adults between the ages of 25 and 34 sustained a brain injury. Individuals in these age groups are our future and beginning farmers.
It is estimated that 118,000 Missourians have a long-term disability due to brain injury. Health conditions with a significant increase post-injury as reported by survivors and families include depression, sleep disorders, chronic pain, PTSD, other mental health conditions, and seizures. Learn more.
Nationally, brain injury-related emergency department visits and death related to motor vehicle crashes were highest among individuals ages 15 – 24 in 2014. Learn more.
Wearing a seat belt in motor vehicles reduces the risk of brain injury and death. Learn more.
Missouri AgrAbility helps cultivate solutions for persons with disabilities to be productive in farming, ranching, or other agribusiness. The disability can include brain injury, chronic pain, arthritis, depression, and more. Learn more.
The Missouri Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Program provides a blended experience for farmers with 10 years or less of farming experience to learn, connect, and grow. Learn more.
For more information, contact the Brain Injury Association of Missouri
for support, education, recreation and advocacy at
www.biamo.org or 800-444-6443.
#MoreThanMyBrainInjury #MOAgrAbility #MOBeginningFarmers #ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies
Helmets can prevent 85 percent of bicycle related head and brain injuries. In 2018, 857 bicyclists died on US roads. Children ages 5 to 14 are seen in emergency rooms for injuries related to riding a bike more than any other sport. Cyclists of all ages at all times, should wear a properly-fitted, approved helmet.
In 2015, there were 467,000 bicycle-related injuries according to the Centers of Disease Control (CDC). Bicyclists face a higher risk of crash related injury and deaths than occupants in motor vehicles. Learn more.
From January 2006 through December 2015, more than 2.2 million children age 5 to 17 years were treated in US hospital emergency departments for bicycle-related injuries. Learn more.
There are many reasons to ride a bicycle. It is fun, it is great exercise, it offers freedom, and it is good for the environment. No matter if you are riding on a designated bike path, sidewalk, rural road, or city street, wearing your bicycle helmet is important safety equipment. Wear a properly fitted helmet that meets the standards of the US Consumer Product Safety Commission every time you ride. Learn more.
Youth are our future farmers. The Missouri Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Program provides a blended experience for farmers with 10 years or less of farming experience to learn, connect, and grow. Learn more.
For more information, contact the Brain Injury Association of Missouri
for support, education, recreation and advocacy at
www.biamo.org or 800-444-6443.
#MoreThanMyBrainInjury #MOAgrAbility #MOBeginningFarmers #ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies
Nearly 414,000 traumatic brain injuries were reported among U.S. Service Members worldwide between 2000 and late 2019. Conditions stemming from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) often lead to long-term mental and physical health problems that can impair Veterans’ employment, family relationships, and reintegration into home communities.
More than 185,000 Veterans who use VA for their health care have been diagnosed with at least one TBI. The majority of those TBIs were classified as mild. TBI and its associated co-morbidities are also a significant cause of disability outside of military settings. Learn more.
About 13 percent of Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve Service Members for each Military Branch were medically diagnosed with a moderate or severe traumatic brain injury during the 4 quarters of 2019. These classifications are characterized by a state of disorientation of more than 24 hours, loss of consciousness for more than 30 minutes, and memory loss lasting 24 hours to more than several days. Learn more.
In Missouri, 33 percent of Veterans live in Rural Missouri. Learn more.
Missouri AgrAbility helps cultivate solutions for persons with disabilities, including veterans, to be productive in farming, ranching, or other agribusiness. This can include brain injury, chronic pain, arthritis, depression, and more. Learn more.
The Missouri Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Program provides a blended experience for farmers with 10 years or less of farming experience to learn, connect, and grow. Learn more.
For more information, contact the Brain Injury Association of Missouri
for support, education, recreation and advocacy at
www.biamo.org or 800-444-6443.
#MoreThanMyBrainInjury #MOAgrAbility #MOBeginningFarmers #ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies
Survivors of brain injury often feel alone – that very few people understand their brain injury. The Brain Injury Association of Missouri offers support groups throughout the state for survivors of brain injury and their families to provide help, hope, and healing. At support groups, you talk with others dealing with similar situations – you are not alone.
When brain injury happens to a loved one there are many questions, and often too few answers. The days, months, and years following the injury can be an emotional roller-coaster. As survivors and families face the unknown of life with brain injury, gaining knowledge about brain injury and learning from other families can be very helpful. BIA-MO Support Groups, Information & Referral Services, and Survivor and Family Seminars are all ways to learn more about brain injury and to connect with other brain injury survivors. Learn more.
Living in rural Missouri is the preferred option of many survivors. Missouri AgrAbility helps survivors recognize their goal of farming, ranching, or other agribusiness opportunities. Learn more.
BIA-MO Support Groups are open to survivors of brain injury and family members. Several support groups serve individuals from rural communities. All are free and no prior invitation is required – just show up and know you are not alone. Learn more.
When attending a support group is not possible, other support, education, and recreation programs of the Brain Injury Association of Missouri may be helpful. Learn more.
Brain injury recovery is a new journey. Being aware of stages of recovery will help with understanding options. Download the BIA-MO Brain Injury Recovery Step by Step resource. Learn more.
For more information, contact the Brain Injury Association of Missouri
for support, education, recreation and advocacy at
www.biamo.org or 800-444-6443.
#MoreThanMyBrainInjury #MOAgrAbility #MOBeginningFarmers #ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies
Thrown off a horse, kicked in the head by livestock, tripping over a fallen branch, almost drowning, and a stroke are all examples of brain injury. The day starts off like many others, then the unforeseen happens – a brain injury. Changes in your thinking, concentration, physical capabilities, emotions, vision, or balance are impacted.
Brain injury happens in an instant and changes life instantly. Understanding brain injury is a first step in adjusting to the changes in cognitive functioning, physical abilities, perceptions, and mental health. Learn more.
Proper medical care, rehabilitation, and community services help survivors of brain injury improve functionality for daily living. Learn more.
Farmers and Ranchers who sustain a brain injury may have the opportunity to continue farming or ranching through the Missouri AgrAbility Project (MAP). Services and partnership of MAP provides guidance and assistance through adaptive equipment changes to farming operation, or more. Learn more.
The Missouri Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Program provides a blended experience for farmers with 10 years or less of farming experience to learn, connect, and grow. Learn more.
For more information, contact the Brain Injury Association of Missouri
for support, education, recreation and advocacy at
www.biamo.org or 800-444-6443.
#MoreThanMyBrainInjury #MOAgrAbility #MOBeginningFarmers #ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies
Every 9 seconds someone sustains a brain injury. In the United States each year, an estimated 50,000 people die from brain injury. Another 280,000 are hospitalized for brain injury and 2.2 million individuals are treated in the ER.
Disabilities resulting from brain injury depend on the location of the injury, severity of the injury and the age and health of the person injured. Learn more.
Information, support and education are vital as individuals transition to life with brain injury. The Brain Injury Association of Missouri services provide help and hope for individuals and families living with brain injury. Learn more.
The brain is responsible for everything we do – it controls movements, sensations, speech, thoughts, and emotions. The effects of brain injury fall within four areas – cognitive functioning, physical abilities, perceptions, and psychological health. Every brain injury is different. Learn more.
For more information, contact the Brain Injury Association of Missouri
for support, education, recreation and advocacy at
www.biamo.org or 800-444-6443.
#MoreThanMyBrainInjury #MOAgrAbility #MOBeginningFarmers #ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies
Short and long-term effects of brain injury can be blurry vision, poor balance, or constant headaches that interfere with your farming operation. It can also put you at greater risk for another injury or incident such as a fall, being struck by an object, or chronic pain. Treatment for symptoms and taking precautions can reduce your risk of secondary injuries.
The issues related to brain injury may include cognitive function, motor function, sensation, and emotions. The individual may experience change in one or more of these issues. Learn more.
Individuals aged 65 and older have the highest rates of traumatic brain injury (TBI) related hospitalization and death. With falls being the number one cause, reducing this risk is essential. Learn more.
Poor balance or vision changes are experienced by 40 percent of survivors of brain injury. This effect of the injury often does not appear until several days or weeks following the injury. Reducing the risk of a fall and increasing the ability to walk in a busy environment or on uneven terrain are the first priorities of vestibular treatments. Learn more.
Tips to reduce the risk of a secondary injury include:
- Remove clutter in and along walkways
- Install handrails on both sides of stairways and in the bathroom
- Improve light outside and inside of the house, barn, or other structure
- Maintain regular physical activity, if approved by your doctor
For more information, contact the Brain Injury Association of Missouri
for support, education, recreation and advocacy at
www.biamo.org or 800-444-6443.
#MoreThanMyBrainInjury #MOAgrAbility #MOBeginningFarmers #ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies
The rural death rate in Missouri from motor vehicle crashes is more than double the urban rate. Accidents on rural roadways result in more deaths due to curvier roads, higher driving speeds, lower seatbelt use among some age groups, and limited healthcare infrastructure to meet the emergency needs of the person. Seatbelt use saves lives and reduces brain injuries.
Six out of 10 Missourians killed in traffic crashes are not wearing their safety belts. Learn more.
Research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that automotive occupants are 45 percent more likely to survive a crash if they are wearing a lap and shoulder belt correctly. Pick-up and light truck passengers are 60 percent more likely to survive a crash when correctly buckled. Learn more.
The death rate from motor vehicle crashes in rural Missouri at 22 per 100,000 residents was double the 11 per 100,000 individuals in urban areas of Missouri between 2005 and 2015. Learn more.
Of the 126 licensed hospitals in Missouri, only 59 are located in rural communities. There are 55 rural Missouri communities without a hospital, which can result in delayed access to medical care following a motor vehicle crash and can prolong functioning deficits from a brain injury. Learn more.
Missouri AgrAbility helps cultivate solutions for persons with disabilities, including veterans, to be productive in farming, ranching, or other agribusiness. The disability can include brain injury, chronic pain, arthritis, depression, and more. Learn more.
For more information, contact the Brain Injury Association of Missouri
for support, education, recreation and advocacy at
www.biamo.org or 800-444-6443.
#MoreThanMyBrainInjury #MOAgrAbility #MOBeginningFarmers #ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies
Wearing an approved motorcycle helmet is effective in saving lives, preventing brain injuries, and saving taxpayer dollars. For example, there were 118 individuals who died in motorcycle crashes on Missouri roadways in 2019. Ten (10) of those who died in motorcycle crashes in 2019 were not wearing helmets.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates that helmets saved the lives of 1,872 motorcyclists in 2017. If all motorcyclists would had worn helmets, an additional 749 lives could have been saved. Learn more.
Helmets are estimated to be 37 percent effective in preventing fatal injuries to motorcycle riders and 41 percent for motorcycle passengers. In other words, for every 100 motorcycle riders killed in crashes while not wearing helmets, 37 of them could have been saved had all 100 worn helmets. Learn more.
Hospitalization and related medical expenses are higher for non-helmeted motorcyclists due to brain injury. The average hospitalization cost for a motorcyclist not wearing an approved helmet is one-third greater than those wearing an approved helmet. Learn more.
For more information, contact the Brain Injury Association of Missouri
for support, education, recreation and advocacy at
www.biamo.org or 800-444-6443.
#MoreThanMyBrainInjury #MOAgrAbility #MOBeginningFarmers #ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies
Thank you Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve Military Personnel as well as Veterans for serving to our country. Military personnel may experience brain injury from combat connected or civilian life activities through a stroke, fall, car crash, or other incident. Military service members are deployed to areas where they are at risk for experiencing blast exposures. These and other combat connected activities may put them at an increased risk for sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Service Members may sustain a brain injury during a day-to-day activities, military trainings or deployment maneuvers. The majority of traumatic brain injuries sustained by members of the U.S. Armed Forces are classified as mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), also referred to as a concussion. Learn more.
Service members who sustain a brain injury may experience changes in their thought processing physical abilities, perceptions, or mental health, regardless of the cause – combat connected or civilian daily living. Learn more.
The mental health of service members is as important as their physical health for mission success. Department Of Defense (DOD) policies encourage better mental health for Active Duty and Veterans. Learn more.
The Heroes to Hives – Missouri state Chapter program is an opportunity for Veterans, veteran families and their dependents over 18 to learn financial and personal wellbeing through FREE professional training and community development centered around beekeeping. Learn more.
Missouri AgrAbility helps Veterans with disabilities interested in farming or ranching. Learn more.
Farming may be a new career opportunity for Veterans returning to rural Missouri. Explore opportunities through Missouri’s Beginning Farmers and Ranchers program. Learn more.
For more information, contact the Brain Injury Association of Missouri
for support, education, recreation and advocacy at
www.biamo.org or 800-444-6443.
#MoreThanMyBrainInjury #MOAgrAbility #MOBeginningFarmers #ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies
Support Groups, Information and Referral Services, and Family Seminars through the Brain Injury Association of Missouri help survivors and families know they are not alone. Support and education answers questions about brain injury, identifies resources within the community, and provides information about farming with disabilities, for beginning or experienced farmers or ranchers.
Help, hope, and healing are offered through programs of support, education, recreation, and advocacy by the Brain Injury Association of Missouri. Learn more.
Missouri AgrAbility can potentially help individuals with disabilities return to farming, ranching and agribusiness. With adaptive devices, technologies, changes in agriculture operations, and business planning, many keep you individuals with brain injury safely return to farming and or ranching. Learn more.
Missouri Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Program provides farmers with 10 years or less of farming experience to connect, and grow their operations. Learn more.
Education is essential when you and your family are initially impacted by brain injury or are many years post injury. The Brain Injury Association of Missouri offers the Survivor and Family Regional Seminars that provide helpful information, practical suggestions, and support for life with brain injury. Learn more.
Brain Injury Association of Missouri Support Groups are held throughout Missouri. Support Groups are open to survivors of brain injury, regardless of the cause – fall, car, truck, motorcycle, ATV, tractor rollover, other accidents or stroke. Family members are also encouraged to attend since brain injury impacts the entire family. Learn more.
For more information, contact the Brain Injury Association of Missouri
for support, education, recreation and advocacy at
www.biamo.org or 800-444-6443.
#MoreThanMyBrainInjury #MOAgrAbility #MOBeginningFarmers #ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies
Brain injury can impact the way you manage your farming operation. Damage to the brain from an accident, crash, fall, stroke, hit by object, or other injury may cause difficulty remembering staying on task. You may get tired easily and need more breaks to rest. There may also be a change in an ability to walk or stand due to balance or vision. These changes may make daily life in urban, suburban, and rural communities difficult.
Possible changes associated with brain injury include:
- weakness or paralysis of one side of the body or limb
- changes in perception of hearing, smell, taste, touch, and space difference
- emotional challenges of mood swings, anxiety, impatience, depression, and difficulty controlling ongoing laughter or anger outburst.
- difficulty with problem solving, thinking, reasoning, paying attention, and judgment
- challenges with retaining new information and difficulty with retrieval of long-term memory information that affects learning and memory
Fatigue is common for individuals with a moderate to severe brain injury. Individuals with mild traumatic brain injury (TBI), including concussions, can experience fatigue. The fatigue is often at certain times of the day or after the survivor pushes him or herself physically or cognitively. The level of fatigue varies for each person, just as each brain injury is different. Learn more.
Recognizing limitations in endurance, balance, and physical abilities following brain injury is important during recovery and while adjusting to new abilities. Frequent breaks for rest, use of adaptive equipment, and changes in operation methods may be helpful in managing your farm, ranch, or agricultural business. Learn more.
Resources: Brain Injury Association of Missouri Services, Missouri AgrAbility Project, Missouri Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Program.
For more information, contact the Brain Injury Association of Missouri
for support, education, recreation and advocacy at
www.biamo.org or 800-444-6443.
#MoreThanMyBrainInjury #MOAgrAbility #MOBeginningFarmers #ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies
2.87 million brain injury-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths occurred in 2014. The leading causes were falls, being struck by or against an object, and motor vehicle crashes.
There was a 53 percent increase in brain injury-related emergency care, hospitalizations, and deaths from brain injury between 2006 and 2014. Learn more.
Brain injury diagnosis in emergency departments was
Falls – 48 percent
Struck by or against an object – 17 percent
Motor vehicle crashes – 13 percent
Young children and older adults have the highest rates of brain injury from falls. For youth ages 17 and younger, 49 percent of their brain injury related emergency department visits were due to a fall. For individuals ages 65 and older, falls account for 81 percent from of emergency department visits with a diagnosis of brain injury. Learn more.
Brain injury recovery is a new journey. Being aware of stages of recovery will help with understanding options. Download the BIA-MO Brain Injury Recovery Step by Step resource. Learn more.
For more information, contact the Brain Injury Association of Missouri
for support, education, recreation and advocacy at
www.biamo.org or 800-444-6443.
#MoreThanMyBrainInjury #MOAgrAbility #MOBeginningFarmers #ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies
Brain injury is often called the “invisible disability.” There may not be physical scars or limited mobility from the brain injury. However, the effects may be short-term memory loss, taking longer to respond to questions, or changes in vision or balance. There may also be a change in personality, mood, or sleep patterns.
Short and long-term effects of brain injury depend on the location of the brain damage, severity of the injury, and the health of the brain before the injury. The injury may affect one function of the brain or several functions. Learn more.
Understanding brain injury begins with realizing that a healthy brain is made of neurons (nerve cells). These neurons form tracts that are routed throughout the brain to convey messages to control and coordinate body systems, movements, personality, behavior and senses. Learn more.
Changes in behavior are often difficult for family members, friends, and co-workers to understand when a loved one sustains a brain injury. The survivor may not recognize how his or her behavior is affecting others. In this situation, it is important to reduce stress such as provide structure of a daily routine, provide support in a respectful manner, and avoid overstimulation for the loved one injured. Learn more.
Missouri AgrAbility helps individuals with disabilities, including Veterans, explore farming, ranching, or other agribusiness as potential employment solutions. Disabilities can include brain injury, stroke, chronic pain, arthritis, depression, and more. Learn more.
#MoreThanMyBrainInjury #MOAgrAbility #MOBeginningFarmers #ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies
Death rates from stroke for rural Missouri counties decreased between 2007 and 2017. However, stroke was still the fifth leading cause of death for both rural and urban Missouri residents within the same years. A stroke can sometimes cause temporary or permanent disabilities. Sudden signs of a stroke are face drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulty.
The death rate from stroke was higher for residents in rural counties of Missouri than urban residents during the period 2007 through 2017. Learn more.
F.A.S.T. is an easy way to remember the signs of a stroke.
Face Drooping – Is one side of the face drooping or is the smile uneven?
Arm Weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Can the person raise his or her arms? Is one arm hanging downward?
Speech Difficulty – Is the person able to answer simple questions? Does the person have slurred speech?
Time to call 9-1-1 – If the person shows any of these symptoms, call for emergency assistance immediately. Check the time to report when the symptoms were first noticed. Learn more.
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or reduced. This may happen from a blocked artery or bursting of a blood vessel that prevents oxygen and nutrients to reach the brain tissue. Complications following a stroke may include paralysis or loss of muscle movement, difficulty talking or swallowing, memory loss or thinking difficulties, emotional control, pain, and changes in behavior. Learn more.
Missouri AgrAbility works with farmers who have a disability from a stroke, traumatic brain injury or chronic disease. Learn more.
#MoreThanMyBrainInjury #MOAgrAbility #MOBeginningFarmers #ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies
The construction industry has the highest rate of fatal and non-fatal brain injuries in the United States. Between 2003 and 2010 there were 2,210 fatal brain injuries sustained by construction workers. This number is 25 percent of all construction fatalities in the US. Transportation and agriculture are other occupations at high risk for brain injuries.
According to a study by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, nearly 7,300 occupational deaths due to traumatic brain injury (TBI) occurred between 2003 and 2008. Construction, transportation, and agriculture recorded nearly half of all occupational TBI fatalities. Learn more.
Between 2003 and 2010, construction workers ages 65 and older were nearly 4 times more likely to have a fatal traumatic brain injury than workers ages 25 to 34. Workers in small construction companies were 2.5 times more likely to sustain a fatal traumatic brain injury than workers in larger companies. Learn more.
More than half of construction work-related fatalities from brain injury were due to falls, especially falls from roofs, ladders, and scaffolds. Prevention of work-related falls includes wearing hardhats, participating in safety trainings, and using proper equipment or supplies. Learn more.
#MoreThanMyBrainInjury #MOAgrAbility #MOBeginningFarmers #ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies
Sustaining a brain injury makes you at greater risk of having an additional brain injury. Once an individual has one brain injury, he or she is at greater risk of having a second brain injury. This risk increases with each additional brain injury, regardless of the cause. Prevention is the only cure for brain injury. Wear an approved helmet when horseback riding recreationally or working on the farm.
In 2018, horseback riding was among the sports/recreational activities that contributed to the highest number of estimated head injuries treated in U.S. hospital emergency rooms, accounting for 6,141 head injuries. Learn more.
Farmers who sustain a brain injury while horseback riding may attend educational programs through the Missouri Beginning Farmer and Rancher Program. Learn more.
While head injuries comprise about 18 percent of all horseback riding injuries. They are the number one reason for hospital admission. A 2007 study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that horseback riding resulted in 11.7 percent of all traumatic brain injuries in recreational sports from 2001 to 2005, the highest of any athletic activity. Of the estimated 14,446 horseback-related head injuries treated in 2009, 3,798 were serious enough to require hospitalization. Learn more.
You should only buy an approved horseback riding helmet that is ASTM/SEI certified. The testing required for the ASTM/SEI certification verifies that the helmet provides adequate protection for horseback riding. Learn more.
#MoreThanMyBrainInjury #MOAgrAbility #MOBeginningFarmers #ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies
In Missouri, an estimated 118,000 individuals are living with a long-term disability due to brain injury. This can include physical, visual, mental or comprehension disabilities. Employment, transportation, rehabilitation, and recreational services provide survivors an opportunity to live a quality life with brain injury.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability in the United States. From 2006 to 2014, the number of TBI-related emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths increased by 53 percent. In 2014, an average of 155 people in the United States died each day from injuries that include a TBI. Learn more.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services asked survivors of brain injury and family members about health conditions prior to and post-brain injury. The Needs Assessment 2017 survey showed a two- to three-fold increase in health conditions that impact life following brain injury. For example, 24 percent of individuals reported health issues related to depression before sustaining a brain injury. This number jumped to 66 percent of survivor’s post-injury. Chronic pain jumped from 12 percent of individuals to 54 percent. Learn more.
Understanding brain injury is an important aspect of adjusting to new abilities as a “new you” with brain injury. Support, education, recreation, and advocacy are available through the Brain Injury Association of Missouri. Organization services include Support Groups, Information & Referral Services, Survivor and Family Seminars, Annual Professional Conference and the Donald Danforth Jr. Wilderness Camp. Learn more.
The Missouri AgrAbility Project explores opportunities with individuals with disabilities who want to return to or begin a farming based on an individual’s abilities. Learn more.
#MoreThanMyBrainInjury #MOAgrAbility #MOBeginningFarmers #ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies
The Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence (formerly Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center) reported nearly 414,000 traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) among U.S. Service Members worldwide between 2000 and late 2019. In the 2011-2015 period, 24.1 percent of the Veteran population 18 years and older lived in areas designated as rural.
More than 185,000 Veterans who use the Veterans Administration (VA) for their health care have been diagnosed with at least one (traumatic brain injury) TBI. The majority of those TBIs were classified as mild. Learn more.
Almost 27 percent of Rural Veterans reported having one or more disabilities. These disabilities may impact work and life. Missouri AgrAbility may be a resource for Veterans with disabilities who are interested in farming, ranching, or agribusiness. Learn more.
About 5 million Veterans lived in areas designated as rural from 2011 to 2015 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. In general, individuals living in rural areas differ from their urban counterparts in terms of demographic characteristics, social ties, culture, and access to infrastructure and institutional support. Learn more.
Rural life and farming appeal to many Veterans. The Missouri Beginning Farmers and Ranchers Program can help Veterans explore employment options. Learn more.
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Brain Injury Association of Missouri
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Saint Louis, MO 63146-3409
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BIA-MO UPCOMING EVENTS
St. Louis (South/Southwest) Support Group – In-Person and Online
SSM Health St. Clare Hospital 1015 Bowles Avenue, Fenton, MOSt. Louis (South/Southwest) – Fourth Tuesday of Month at 7:00 pm. Contact BIA-MO at (314) 426-4024 for online login information. SSM Health St. Clare Hospital, Conference Center (Downstairs), Meeting Room F, 1015 Bowles Ave, Fenton, MO 63026 Contact: BIA-MO Office, (314) 426-4024 for online login information. *Please take the stairs/elevator to the lover level and [...]
Springfield Survivor Support Group
Preferred Family Healthcare 2626 W. College, Springfield, MOSpringfield - Every Wednesday. Contact BIA-MO at (800) 444-6443 for more information. Preferred Family Healthcare, 2626 W. College, Springfield, MO 65802-4637 Facilitator: Lisa Glasgow
