Brain Injury Fact of the Day 2026
Brain Injury Fact of the Day
Sponsored by the Missouri AgrAbility Project
Cultivating Solutions for Farmers with Disabilities
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.
Conditions that put you at risk of falls are lower body weakness, vitamin D deficiency, difficulty walking, poor balance, vision problems and more. Falling once increases your chances of falling again. Learn More.
Among individuals with a recent fall, up to 70% report fears of falling. Of these individuals, 50% may limit or exclude physical or social activity because of this fear, thereby increasing their fall risk. Learn More.
The effects of brain injury may include changes in cognitive functioning, motor skills, sensation, and emotions. An individual with a brain injury may experience changes in one or more of these issues. Learn More.
About half of people with brain injury have dizziness or loss of balance at some point in their recovery. Factors that determine the severity of balance issues include the part of the brain injured, severity of the injury, other injuries along with the brain injury, and medications. Learn More.
Always wearing a seatbelt is one of the simplest – and most effective – actions you can take to reduce the risks of brain injury in a motor vehicle crash. Seat belts can lower the odds of moderate to critical injuries by 50% and help prevent brain injuries from a crash. Learn More.
Up to 90% of individuals with a concussion report symptom such as blurred vision, reading difficulty, or light sensitivity caused by issues of the eye such as their eyes being unable to focus or work together. Learn More.
Farmers and Ranchers who sustain a brain injury may have the opportunity to continue farming or ranching through Missouri AgrAbility. Services and partnerships provide guidance and assistance through adaptive equipment, changes to farming operation, or 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.
#MyBrainInjuryJourney @MOAgrAbility @ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies @HeroestoHivesMO @MOBeginningFarmers
Prevention is the best cure for brain injury. Wear an approved helmet when horseback riding recreationally or working on a farm.
More than 25% of concussions by horseback riders who fell off occurred when the rider landed on a soft surface such as the grass or dirt floor, indicating many of these concussions could potentially be prevented with appropriately designed helmets. Most of these injuries occurred while riding or handling the horse. Learn More.
Equestrian helmets are built to withstand only one substantial hit before they need to be replaced. This differs from football helmets that are intended to sustain multiple hits before needing to be replaced. Learn More.
Horseback riding is a leading cause of sports-related traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Research shows that equestrian and related sports account for 45% of sports-related TBIs among adults. Learn More.
The US Equestrian Federation (USEF) recommends you only buy riding helmets certified by ASTM/SEI, PAS/BSI/IC, VG1/BSI/IC, or Snell/ISO. These certifications verify that the helmet provides adequate protection for horseback riding. Learn More.
Watch – Concussion Signs and Symptoms – Helmet Use video
Farmers who sustain a brain injury while horseback riding may benefit from the services of Missouri AgrAbility. Learn More.
Rural life and farming appeal to many Veterans. The Heroes to Hives – Missouri State Chapter program may be an opportunity for Veterans, veteran families, and their dependents over the age of 18 to learn beekeeping as a form of sustainable, self-employment. 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.
#MyBrainInjuryJourney @MOAgrAbility @ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies @HeroestoHivesMO @MOBeginningFarmers
Many people experience brain injury due to domestic violence or intimate partner violence. The injury may happen when the person is hit on the head, slammed against something, shaken, or thrown.
Abusers often hit the victim on the head to conceal bruises. An estimated 36% of domestic violence survivors have sustained injuries to the head, neck, or face. Learn More.
Domestic violence – also referred to as intimate partner violence – is a health crisis that affects people of all ages, races, and socioeconomic classes. Brain injury is common among domestic violence victims due to the frequency of injuries to the head and neck by the abuser. Brain injuries are often sustained over a long period of time and may lead to permanent physical, behavioral, and cognitive consequences. Learn More.
A research study of patients at a brain injury and domestic violence specialty clinic reported that 88% of the individuals had more than one injury and 81% reported a history of loss of consciousness with their injuries. 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.
#MyBrainInjuryJourney @MOAgrAbility @ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies @HeroestoHivesMO @MOBeginningFarmers
There were more than 586 brain injury related hospitalizations and 190 brain injury related deaths per day in 2020. Leading causes continue to be falls, motor vehicle crashes, and being struck by or against an object.
According to the CDC, approximately 75% of nonfatal brain injury-related hospitalizations were from falls or motor vehicle crashes in 2018. Learn More.
Nationally, there were approximately 214,110 non-fatal traumatic brain injury hospitalizations in 2020. Learn More.
Individuals 75 years and older account for 70,445 (31%) of non-fatal traumatic brain injury (TBI) related hospitalizations in 2018. This was approximately three times higher than individuals 65 – 74 years of age. Learn More.
Other causes of brain injury-related hospitalizations include being struck by or against an object, assault and self-harm. Nearly eight percent of brain injuries have an unknown or unspecified cause. Learn More.
Brain injury recovery is a new journey for many survivors and their families. Being aware of stages of recovery will help with understanding options. Download the BIA-MO Brain Injury Recovery Step by Step resource. Learn More.
Missouri AgrAbility can potentially help individuals with brain injury return to farming, ranching and agribusiness. With adaptive devices, technologies, changes in agriculture operations, and business planning, many individuals with brain injury safely return to farming and or ranching. 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.
#MyBrainInjuryJourney @MOAgrAbility @ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies @HeroestoHivesMO @MOBeginningFarmers
The construction industry has a high rate of fatal and non-fatal brain injuries in the United States. Nearly 48% of all occupational deaths from falls, slips, and trips were in the construction industry. Transportation and agriculture are other occupations that are at high risk for brain injuries.
Falls, slips, and trips accounted for nearly 48% of all construction worker deaths in the U.S. in 2023. Learn More.
In 2022 construction workers experienced 21,400 non-fatal injuries from falls, slips, and trips. Learn More.
More than 5,100 construction workers were diagnosed with a non-fatal brain injury from a fall between 2016 and 2020 that resulted in missed workdays. Balance and vision changes can be a long-term effect of brain injury that may keep individuals from returning to work in construction. Missouri AgrAbility and Heroes to Hives may be new career options. Learn More.
Learn More about Missouri AgrAbility.
Learn More about Heroes to Hives.
Construction laborers have a higher incidence rate of non-fatal falls, slips, and trips than all other construction occupations. The falls incidence rate for Construction Laborers is more than double that of all full-time workers within all U.S. industries. 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 hard-hats, participating in safety training, and using proper equipment, or supplies. 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.
#MyBrainInjuryJourney @MOAgrAbility @ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies @HeroestoHivesMO @MOBeginningFarmers
Brain injury can change the personality of the injured person. After a bump or blow to the head or body, that may have caused a brain injury, someone you love may be more anxious, dependent, angry, shy, or even more outgoing and friendly. Despite a lack of visible injury to the head, there could be damage to the brain that causes changes in personality.
Damage to the frontal lobe of the brain affects 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.
You are not alone in life with brain injury. Support, education and assistance, along with suggestions on how to adjust to your new abilities may be helpful. Learn More.
A total reversal of behavioral changes after a brain injury may not be possible. Focus on modifying behaviors for the person to achieve goals, reintegrate into the community, and live a quality life with brain injury. There are several interventions available to assist with the modification of behaviors that negatively affect goal achievement, successful community reintegration, or quality of life for individuals with brain injury. Learn More.
Missouri AgrAbility helps farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers with disabilities overcome limitations so they may become 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.
#ConcussionAwarenessNow @MOAgrAbility @ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies @HeroestoHivesMO @MOBeginningFarmers
About 400,000 Veterans live in Missouri. Of these Veterans, 32% have a disability. Conditions stemming from a traumatic brain injury (TBI) often lead to some form of disability that can impair Veterans’ employment, family relationships, and reintegration into their home communities.
The University of Missouri reports that of the 32% of Missouri Veterans with disabilities, 25% are service-connected disabilities, leaving 8% as a non-service-related disability. Learn More.
Nearly 25% of U.S. Veterans had a probable brain injury. These Veterans are more likely to experience anxiety, depression, PTSD, arthritis and suicidal ideation. Learn More.
Missouri Veterans tend to be older, are more likely to have a high school degree, and have a higher rate of disability than the general population. Veterans are about nine percent of the Missouri state population ages 18 years and older. Learn More.
Veterans owned, co-owned or operated 12,600 Missouri-based firms in 2016. This is about 11% of all Missouri-based firms and these Veteran-led or co-led businesses accounted for nearly 138,000 jobs. Learn More.
Heroes to Hives is an opportunity for Veterans to be self-employed in agribusiness of beekeeping. The Heroes to Hives – Missouri State Chapter program is an opportunity for Veterans, veteran families and their dependents over the age of 18 to learn financial and personal wellbeing through FREE professional training and community development centered around beekeeping. Learn More.
Missouri AgrAbility helps individuals with chronic health conditions, including Veterans, be successful in production agriculture. The health condition may include brain injury, chronic pain, arthritis, depression, and more. Learn More.
Symptoms may be similar for a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI)/concussion and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but they are different conditions. 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.
#ConcussionAwarenessNow @MOAgrAbility @ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies @HeroestoHivesMO @MOBeginningFarmers
It is estimated that as many as 3.8 million traumatic brain injuries occur in the U.S. each year. Of these, there is an average of 283,000 emergency department visits by youth from sports and recreational activities. However, as many as 50% of concussions may go unreported. Signs of a concussion include dizziness, blurred vision, slurred words, appearing dazed, walking or running off balance, headaches, or a change in sleep patterns – just to name a few.
Youth and young adults are at high risk of concussions from sports, recreational activities, and motor vehicle crashes. In rural Missouri, these individuals are our future farmers.
Of the estimated 3.8 million traumatic brain injuries in the United States each year, more than 21% are among children and adolescents during sports and recreational activities. A youth who sustains a concussion is three to six times more likely to sustain another concussion. Learn More.
A 2019 study reported that approximately 16% of children aged 5 to 15 who had a concussion experienced a repeat concussion within two years. Learn More.
Approximately 10% of children reported experiencing a concussion or mild brain injury within the previous 12 months. Learn More.
According to a 2019 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 45% of traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) were associated with contact sports. For youth between the ages of 5 – 17 there was a 39% decrease in emergency department visits related to concussions from 2013 – 2018. Learn More.
Physical and cognitive rest are needed for recovery from a concussion. However, complete inactivity is not recommended. Light physical activity and school participation, after a day or two, are beneficial for the individual during concussion recovery. 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.
#ConcussionAwarenessNow @MOAgrAbility @ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies @HeroestoHivesMO @MOBeginningFarmers
Effects from brain injury may include short-term memory loss, difficulty processing information, and shortened attention span. Physical changes may include limited use of arms, legs, or hands.
Brain injury-related changes can make it more difficult to farm or may keep you from farming. However, modified equipment or alternative methods may be helpful options to support people who want to farm after a brain injury.
Brain injury is complex since no two brain injuries are the same. The effects of 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 individuals with brain injury. Adapted equipment, structures, product systems, or modified work practices can help individuals with brain injury stay in production farming, ranching or agribusiness. Learn More.
Services of the Brain Injury Association of Missouri provide help, hope, and healing. 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 lives. However, there are actions and behaviors you can utilize to adapt to life with a brain injury. For example:
- You can change your schedule to accommodate increased fatigue from brain
- Focus on simple instructions to assist with delayed comprehension and processing
- Modify your home and work environment based on new physical
- Know you are not alone through support and
For more information, contact the Brain Injury Association of Missouri
for support, education, recreation and advocacy at
www.biamo.org or (800) 444-6443.
#MyBrainInjuryJourney @MOAgrAbility @ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies @HeroestoHivesMO @MOBeginningFarmers
There were 135 individuals who died in motorcycle crashes on Missouri roadways in 2025.
The Missouri Department of Transportation (MODOT) summarizes statistics of the Missouri Highway Patrol to report that 135 motorcyclists were killed on Missouri roadways in 2025. Learn More.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), more than 6,000 motorcyclists were killed in both 2021 and 2022. The organization says that the death toll could be cut by as much as 10% if more states enacted all-rider helmet laws. Learn More.
Replace your helmet if it was involved in a crash, even if it does not show signs of damage. Most helmet manufacturers recommend replacing your helmet every three to six years, due to degradation of materials over time. It is important to inspect your helmet regularly for cracks and other signs of wear or damage. Learn More.
Wearing a motorcycle helmet saved the lives of 60 Missouri riders in 2017. If all Missouri motorcyclists wore a helmet, an additional eight lives could have been saved. 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 $6,000 greater than motorcyclists 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.
#MyBrainInjuryJourney @MOAgrAbility @ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies @HeroestoHivesMO @MOBeginningFarmers
A Concussion is a traumatic brain injury. It is a myth that the person must blackout or lose consciousness to sustain a concussion. Less than 10% 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 greater risk of sustaining another brain injury.
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 454,000 sports-related head injuries were treated in hospital emergency departments in 2018. The sports and recreational activities with the highest number of emergency room treatments were cycling, football, playground equipment, basketball, and exercise equipment. Learn More.
According to the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Concussion Continuing Education Report, more than 90% of concussions occur with the individual having no loss of consciousness. Symptoms of a concussion may not develop until a few hours or days after the incident. Learn More.
Youth involved in tackle football experience 15 times more head impacts, and 23 times more high-magnitude impacts than individuals involved with flag football. Concussion symptoms may develop until hours or even days after the incident, so monitoring symptoms and rest are essential. Returning to activity too soon increases risk of second-impact syndrome, a dangerous condition involving brain swelling, for the concussed individual. Learn More.
Best-practice care for concussion recognition, assessment, management and prevention are outlined by the Concussion in Sports Group of the International Conference on Concussions. The latest Concussion Consensus was released in October 2022. Learn More.
Young athletes in rural Missouri 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.
#ConcussionAwarenessNow #MyBrainInjuryJourney @MOAgrAbility @ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies @HeroestoHivesMO @MOBeginningFarmers
Helmets can prevent up to 88% of bicycle-related head and brain injuries. In 2023, 1,155 bicyclists died on US roads. Cyclists of all ages should wear a properly fitted, approved helmet on every bike ride.
In 2023, there were 1,155 bicyclists killed in traffic crashes in the U.S. Learn More.
Bicyclists between the ages of 10 and 20 accounted for more than 12,000 injured bicyclists in 2023. Learn More.
Per 100,000 individuals, the bicyclist injury rate was 25 for males, compared with 5 for females. Learn More.
An estimated 20% of fatal bicyclist traffic crashes involved a bicyclist with a blood alcohol content of .08 or higher. Learn More.
The largest number of bicycle-related fatalities was among individuals aged 55 to 64. Males accounted for 86% of bicyclist fatalities and 82% of injuries among all age groups. Learn More.
Bicycle helmets should be replaced after a crash as the foam is only made to withstand a one-time hit. You should also replace your helmet if you drop it and the foam cracks or if it does not have a CPSC, ASTM, or Snell sticker inside. Learn More.
Head injury is the greatest risk to bicyclists. Wearing a helmet while riding reduces the risk of brain injury by 63% to 88%. 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, wear your bicycle helmet. It is important safety equipment. Wear a properly fitted helmet that meets the standards of the U.S. 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.
#MyBrainInjuryJourney @MOAgrAbility @ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies @HeroestoHivesMO @MOBeginningFarmers
Support Groups, Community Resource Services, and Family Seminars through the Brain Injury Association of Missouri (BIA-MO) help survivors and families know they are not alone. Support and education provided through BIA-MO include answering questions about brain injury, identifying resources within the community, and providing 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 chronic health conditions return to farming, ranching and agribusiness. Farmers with brain injury may be able to safely return to farming or ranching with adaptive devices, technologies, changes in agriculture operations, and business planning. Learn More.
The Heroes to Hives – Missouri State Chapter program is an opportunity for Veterans, veteran families and their dependents over the age of 18 to learn financial and personal wellbeing through FREE professional training and community development centered around beekeeping. Learn More.
Brain injury recovery is a new journey for many survivors and families. Being aware of the general stages of recovery will help with understanding options. Download the BIA-MO Brain Injury Recovery Step by Step resource. Learn More.
Education is essential when you and your family are initially affected 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.
For more information, contact the Brain Injury Association of Missouri
for support, education, recreation and advocacy at
www.biamo.org or (800) 444-6443.
#MyBrainInjuryJourney @MOAgrAbility @ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies @HeroestoHivesMO @MOBeginningFarmers
Following a brain injury, 81% of individuals return to work. Most of them work in a different industry and/or fewer hours than they did prior to their injury. Of these individuals, 87% feel good about their work, and 72% are satisfied with their work position.
The University of Missouri – Kansas City (UMKC), in partnership with the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) TBI Grant and the Brain Injury Association of Missouri (BIA-MO), conducted a Needs Assessment in 2022 that focused on employment and volunteering by survivors of brain injury. About 77% of respondents said that work is important or very important to them and 87% said they feel good about their work. Learn More.
Among the TBI Needs Assessment 2022 survey respondents, 35% live in rural areas. Missouri AgrAbility is a resource that helps farmers, ranchers, and farmworkers keep working in agricultural careers after experiencing a brain injury. Learn More.
Of the TBI Needs Assessment 2022 respondents, 65% stated that their brain injury made it difficult to find, change, or advance at work. Reported challenges include:
- 37% experienced negative attitudes toward them from co-workers and 30% experienced negative attitudes from supervisors.
- 32% had difficulties associated with job Most working survivors had not requested accommodation, even when struggling with tasks.
- 27% had concerns about losing their government benefits, including health
Work accommodations for individuals with brain injury may include organization or assistive technology tools, office space modifications, reduced hours, clear verbal and written communication, disability-related training for staff, and various other options. Learn More.
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN) is a resource for employers to identify potential accommodations for employees with disabilities. 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.
#MyBrainInjuryJourney @MOAgrAbility @ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies @HeroestoHivesMO @MOBeginningFarmers
Brain injury can change the life of the injured person as well as his or her family. To better accommodate changes in physical abilities, cognitive functioning, balance, vision, fatigue, and emotions of the injured person, the spouse or children may increase or change their responsibilities with the family farm. Modifications to equipment and farming operation may be helpful.
Adaptive devices and assistive technology can help individuals with brain injury-related 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. It affects the entire family. At some point, most of us will be an unpaid caregiver for a loved one. When brain injury occurs, this care may be long-term and can be overwhelming. Care and support are needed for the caregivers. Learn More.
Each person is unique, and each brain injury is unique. The effects of brain injury are cognitive, physical, sensory and psychological. In some cases, only one function may be affected, while in other cases, the person may experience changes in each of these areas of functioning. 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.
Brain injury affects families and caregivers of individuals who sustain a brain injury. Families need information about brain injury, treatment options, and strategies to manage challenges as they adjust to life with brain injury. Rehabilitation interventions should consider the impact on families. Learn More.
Missouri AgrAbility assists people with diseases, disabilities, or disorders employed in agriculture. AgrAbility provides professional training, on-the-farm assessments, technical assistance, information dissemination, and referrals 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.
#MyBrainInjuryJourney @MOAgrAbility @ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies @HeroestoHivesMO @MOBeginningFarmers
The death rate from stroke for rural Missouri residents was higher than urban residents between 2019 and 2023. However, stroke was still the sixth leading cause of death for rural Missourians, stroke can sometimes cause temporary or permanent disabilities. Signs of a stroke include face drooping, arm weakness, and speech difficulty.
The stroke death rate was higher for residents in rural counties of Missouri than urban residents during the period of 2019-2023. 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.
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 reaching the brain tissue. Complications following a stroke may include:
- paralysis or loss of muscle movement
- difficulty talking or swallowing
- memory loss or difficulty processing information
- reduced emotional control and changes in behavior.
- Increased pain
Missouri AgrAbility works with farmers who have a chronic health condition from stroke, traumatic brain injury, or other health issues to help them continue their work farming while emphasizing their current abilities and desired farming operation. 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.
#MyBrainInjuryJourney @MOAgrAbility @ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies @HeroestoHivesMO @MOBeginningFarmers
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. Symptoms of a brain injury 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.
Brain injury is a chronic health condition. Examples of disabilities due to brain injury may include short term memory, depression, limited mobility, anxiety, visual impairments, and hearing loss. There may also be difficulty with thinking, processing new information, problem solving, or impulse control. Education and support may help as you and your loved one adjust to life with brain injury. Learn More.
Since disabilities from brain injury are often not readily apparent to others – unlike a broken leg, for example – brain injury is referred to as an invisible disability. However, permanent disabilities that may arise from cognitive, emotional, sensory, and motor impairments can alter a person’s goals. family and social relationships may also be impacted. Learn More.
Daily living and farm operations may need to be changed due to disability from brain injury. Help is available through Missouri AgrAbility. Learn More.
Attending a BIA-MO Support Group may help you and loved ones adjust to your new life with brain injury. 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.
#MyBrainInjuryJourney @MOAgrAbility @ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies @HeroestoHivesMO @MOBeginningFarmers
The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) reported more than 500,000 traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) among U.S. Service Members worldwide between 2000 and June 2025. Nearly 25% of the Veteran population lives in rural or highly rural communities.
According to the Department of Defense’s Traumatic Brain Injury Center of Excellence (TBICoE), from 2000 through the second quarter of 2025, there have been 528,450 traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) among U.S. service members worldwide. Learn More.
The majority of the 500,000 diagnosed brain injuries among military service members were mild. Learn More.
There are 4.4 million Veterans who live in areas designated as rural according to the VA Office of Rural Health. This is nearly 25% of the Veteran population. Learn More.
Missouri is home to 377,000 Veterans. Of these Veterans, nearly 93,000 (25%) have a service-connected disability, including brain injury. Learn More.
Disabilities may impact work and life for Veterans. Missouri AgrAbility may be a resource for Veterans with disabilities who are interested in farming, ranching or agribusiness. Learn More.
The Missouri Chapter of Heroes to Hives is an opportunity for Military Veterans to learn more about sustainable employment through beekeeping. 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.
#ConcussionAwarenessNow @MOAgrAbility @ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies @HeroestoHivesMO @MOBeginningFarmers
The day starts off like many others, then the unforeseen happens – a brain injury. Being thrown off a horse, getting kicked in the head by livestock, tripping over a fallen branch, surviving a near drowning, or having a stroke are all examples of brain injury causes. Brain injury can lead to changes in thinking, concentration, physical abilities, emotions, vision, or balance.
Nearly 19,500 farmers sustained injuries to their head, with 7,700 diagnosed as a traumatic brain injury (TBI) between 2001 and 2014. Learn More.
Falls off horseback or kicks to the head cause about 20% of injuries to the head among horseback riders. About 33% of those injuries are diagnosed as traumatic brain injury, including a concussion. Learn More.
There were 4,760 equestrian-related emergency department visits in the U.S. between 2018 and 2022. Of these injuries, 23% involved head and brain injuries. Learn More.
Residents of rural Missouri have limited access to health care services due to travel distance to a healthcare provider, lower rates of health insurance coverage, and cost. Since 2014, 24 rural hospitals have closed, bringing the count of rural Missouri counties without a hospital to 47. Learn More.
Farmers and ranchers who sustain a brain injury may have the opportunity to continue farming or ranching through Missouri AgrAbility. Services and partnerships available through Missouri AgrAbility provide guidance and assistance through adaptive equipment, changes to farming operations and more. Learn More.
Brain injury happens in an instant and can change lives forever. The journey of life with brain injury is different for everyone and recovery can be a step-by-step process. Learn More.
Proper medical care, rehabilitation, and community services may help survivors of brain injury improve functionality for daily living. 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.
#MyBrainInjuryJourney @MOAgrAbility @ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies @HeroestoHivesMO @MOBeginningFarmers
Wearing an approved motorcycle helmet has been shown to be an effective piece of safety equipment to prevent brain injuries and deaths for riders. In 2019, when the Missouri all-rider motorcycle helmet law was in effect, only 10% of Missouri motorcyclist fatalities were not wearing a helmet. The Missouri all-rider motorcycle helmet law was repealed in August 2020 and the deaths of non-helmeted motorcyclists increased to 53% in 2025.
Missouri legislatures have the opportunity to reduce the number of deaths and injuries among motorcyclists as well as save taxpayer dollars. Senate Bill (SB) 990 reinstates the Missouri All-Rider Motorcycle Helmet Law. Advocates are encouraged to contact their Missouri State Senator and request – Vote Yes on SB 990. Find your Missouri State Senator. Learn More about SB 990.
In states that require helmets for all riders and passengers, helmet use among motorcyclists is higher. Nationwide in states without an all-rider motorcycle helmet law, 51% of motorcyclists killed in 2023 were not wearing a helmet. This compares to 10% for states with universal helmet laws. Wearing an approved motorcycle helmet while riding is the most effective way to prevent death or a brain injury. Learn More.
Unfortunately, the Missouri all-rider motorcycle helmet law was repealed in August 2020 and more motorcyclists are dying. Learn More.
The National Highway Taffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) estimates more than $625 million was saved in comprehensive costs for Missouri in 2017 through helmet use by motorcyclists. Another $82 million could have been saved with 100% helmet use. These savings were when there were 121 motorcyclist fatalities with a 10% non-helmeted motorcyclist fatality rate in Missouri. Learn More.
Fatalities of motorcyclists aged 15 to 20 increased by 44% from 2022 to 2023, with 505 teenagers dying in a motorcycle crash in 2023.There was a 7% increase in motorcycle fatalities for individuals aged 21 – 24 that same year. These age groups were previously required to wear a motorcycle helmet in Missouri.
About 35% of motorcyclist fatalities occur in rural areas. The average age of motorcyclist fatalities was 41 in 2023. Learn More.
The IIHS estimates about 22,000 lives could have been saved nationwide between 1976 and 2022 if every state had universal motorcycle helmet laws. Learn More.
Only 59 of 135 motorcyclists killed on Missouri roadways in 2025 were wearing a helmet. This highlights the impact of Missouri helmet law change – more deaths. Learn More.
Missouri AgrAbility is a resource for farmers and ranchers with disabilities 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.
#MyBrainInjuryJourney @MOAgrAbility @ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies @HeroestoHivesMO @MOBeginningFarmers
More than 19,000 individuals between the ages of 15 and 24 were hospitalized for brain injury in 2018 and 21,000 young adults between the ages of 25 and 34 were hospitalized for their brain injuries. Individuals in these age groups are our future and beginning farmers.
There were 19,850 brain injury-related hospitalizations for individuals ages 15 to 24, in 2018. This is a decrease from 22,015 brain injury-related hospitalizations for this age group in 2017. Young adults between the ages of 25 – 34 also had a decrease in brain injury-related hospitalizations from 21,955 in 2017 to 21,010 in 2018. Learn More.
Horseback riding has the highest TBI-related hospitalization rate per participant – exceeding football and rugby. Learn More.
Falls from horseback represent 42% to 82% of the number of people injured from horse-related injury events. Falls from horseback often involve injury to the head, resulting in a concussion or intracranial hemorrhage. A report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlighted that 91% of non-riding horse-related brain injuries resulted from a direct kick to the head by a horse. Learn More.
Falls accounted for 29% of injuries in agricultural production and required days away from the job. Many of these fatal injuries involve vehicles, livestock, and falls that lead to a brain injury. Learn More.
Survivors of brain injury and their families report a significant increase in health conditions post-injury. The reported health conditions include increases in depression, sleep disorders, chronic pain, PTSD, other mental health conditions, and seizures. Learn More.
Prevention is the best cure for brain injury, including concussions or mild traumatic brain injury (TBI). Safety and prevention practices include wearing a helmet, wearing a seatbelt, avoiding driving while distracted, and not driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Learn More.
Only 43% of brain injury patients aged 15 to 34 received follow-up care such as neurology, rehabilitation, or mental health within three months after discharge. 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.
#MyBrainInjuryJourney @MOAgrAbility @ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies @HeroestoHivesMO @MOBeginningFarmers
Brain injury can affect many aspects of daily life, including how you manage your farm, ranch, or agricultural business. Whether caused by a fall, crash, stroke, or blow to the head, damage to the brain may lead to:
- Difficulty with short- and long-term memory and concentration
- Fatigue that occurs throughout the day or after physical or mental activity
- Changes in vision, balance, or movement
- Weakness or paralysis of one side of the body or limb
- Emotional or behavioral changes, including mood swings, anxiety, depression, and impulsivity
- Challenges in communication, learning, and decision-making
Physical, cognitive, sensory, and mental health effects of brain injury can change daily life for the injured person and their families. Learn More.
Many survivors of brain injury experience changes in vision. Treatment may resolve some issues and other conditions may be managed with therapy or adaptive technologies. Learn More.
Fatigue is common for many survivors of brain injury – especially after activity. Individuals with a concussion, which is a mild TBI, may feel physically or mentally drained during the day. The level of fatigue varies widely from person to person. Learn More.
Recognizing physical and cognitive limits is important during brain injury rehabilitation and daily life. Helpful strategies include:
- Take frequent breaks to rest
- Use adaptive equipment and technologies
- Modify routines and tasks to fit current abilities and endurance
Assistive technology resources provide support for farmers and ranchers to continue farming with brain injury. Learn More.
Resources: Brain Injury Association of Missouri Services,
Missouri AgrAbility, Heroes to Hives – Missouri Chapter.
For more information, contact the Brain Injury Association of Missouri
for support, education, recreation and advocacy at
www.biamo.org or (800) 444-6443.
#MyBrainInjuryJourney @MOAgrAbility @ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies @HeroestoHivesMO @MOBeginningFarmers
Brain injury is often called an “invisible disability.” There may not be physical scars or mobility limitations from a 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.
The changes in behavior that may occur after a brain injury are often difficult for the survivor’s family members, friends and co-workers to understand. The survivor may not recognize how his or her behavior is affecting others. In this situation, it is important to reduce stress by providing a structured daily routine, offering support in a respectful manner, and avoiding overstimulation for the injured person. Learn More.
Missouri AgrAbility helps individuals with chronic health conditions explore farming, ranching, or other agribusiness as potential employment solutions. Disabilities can include brain injury, stroke, 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.
#MyBrainInjuryJourney @MOAgrAbility @ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies @HeroestoHivesMO @MOBeginningFarmers
In 2022, approximately 2.3 million children and adolescents aged 17 years and younger had received a diagnosis of concussion or brain injury, accounting for 3.2% of this age group. Youth are at higher risk of brain injuries from falls, motor vehicle crashes, bicycle accidents, sports, assaults, and as pedestrians are being hit by vehicles.
Children from birth to age 17 account for 4.1% of brain injury-related deaths. Younger children, specifically children from birth to age four, have the highest number brain injury-related deaths among youth. Learn More.
Pediatric traumatic brain injury leads to over 500,000 emergency department visits and approximately 60,000 hospitalizations in the U.S. each year. Learn More.
In 2022, approximately 2.3 million children and adolescents aged 17 years and younger had received a diagnosis of concussion or brain injury, accounting for 3.2% of this age group. The prevalence increased with age: 1.0% among children aged 0–5 years, 2.3% among children aged 6–11 years, and 5.9% among youth aged 12–17 years. Boys had a higher prevalence (3.7%) compared to girls (2.6%). Learn More.
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that most youth who sustain a mild TBI recover from the initial symptoms within two to four weeks after the injury. Among children who sustain a moderate to severe brain injury, more than 61% experience a disability that requires use of specialized medical, educational, or vocational services. Learn More.
The long-term effects of brain injury in children may not be realized until years after the injury when higher-level cognitive and behavior functioning are expected for typical development. Learn More.
To protect your child, make sure the bicycle helmet fits properly and ensure 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 the straps and make sure the buckle is flat against your skin. 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.
#MyBrainInjuryJourney @MOAgrAbility @ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies @HeroestoHivesMO @MOBeginningFarmers
When someone sustains a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI), the result can be a chronic disease or disability that lasts a lifetime.
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) define chronic disease as a health condition that lasts a year or longer and requires ongoing medical attention, limits activities, or a combination of both. Learn More.
Research studies during the past decade related to brain injury as a chronic health condition have led to better understanding of long-term outcomes experienced by some survivors of brain injury. Studies related to physical health conditions showed:
- Post-traumatic headaches – More than 70% of individuals with moderate to severe brain injury are affected the first year after injury.
- Sleep disturbances – 50% of survivors of brain injury experience some form of sleep disturbance, and 25 – 29% have a diagnosed sleep disorder.
- Post-traumatic epilepsy – For adults with moderate to severe brain injury, the incident rate of new-onset seizure disorders is about nine percent the first year following the injury.
Missouri AgrAbility is dedicated to helping farmers, ranchers, and farm workers who have chronic health conditions, including brain injury. Their primary aim is to determine solutions that enable individuals and their families to succeed in farming, ranching, or other agricultural ventures. Various conditions that may be eligible for support include brain injuries, epilepsy, vision impairments, mental health difficulties, chronic pain, arthritis, 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.
#MyBrainInjuryJourney @MOAgrAbility @ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies @HeroestoHivesMO @MOBeginningFarmers
The death rate in Missouri from motor vehicle crashes in rural areas 41%. Accidents on rural roadways result in more deaths due to curvier roads, higher driving speeds and limited healthcare infrastructure to meet the emergency needs of the person. Seatbelt use saves lives and reduces brain injuries.
On Missouri roadways, 907 individuals were killed in motor vehicle crashes in 2025. Of these individuals, 59% were unbuckled. Learn More.
The death rate from motor vehicle crashes was 41% for rural residents despite only making up 20% of the US population in 2023. Learn More.
Of the 125 licensed general acute hospitals in Missouri, only 56 are located in rural counties. Between 2014 and 2024, 24 Missouri hospitals closed, including 12 in rural communities. There are now 47 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 individuals with chronic health conditions, including Veterans, to be productive in farming, ranching, or another agribusiness. Qualifying health conditions 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.
#MyBrainInjuryJourney @MOAgrAbility @ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies @HeroestoHivesMO @MOBeginningFarmers
More than 214,000 hospitalizations due to brain injury occurred in 2020. It’s estimated that 5.3 million individuals in the US live with A TBI related disability.
Furthermore, over 2 million individuals are admitted to Emergency Department every year with brain injuries. Learn More.
Disabilities resulting from brain injury depend on the location of the injury, severity of the injury, and the age and health of the injured person. Learn More.
The brain is responsible for everything we do – it controls movements, sensations, speech, thoughts, and emotions. When the brain is injured, any of these functions can be affected – some permanently. That is why brain injury can lead to disabilities with:
- Thinking and memory
- Speech and communication
- Coordination and physical movement
- Emotional regulation and behavior
Every brain injury is unique, and the path to recovery varies for each person. Learn More.
Preventing concussions, recognizing symptoms early, seeking medical attention, and following clinical recovery guidelines are steps to reduce the risk of long-term effects of brain injury. 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.
Missouri AgrAbility helps farmers and ranchers living with brain injury continue working safely and successfully 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.
#MyBrainInjuryJourney @MOAgrAbility @ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies @HeroestoHivesMO @MOBeginningFarmers
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. Balance, vision, memory, alertness, and problem solving may be affected. If there are no visible signs of an injury, such as from a fall, a brain injury may go untreated.
Of Missouri residents, 19% of the rural population are 65 years or older. Falls had the highest death rates of unintentional injuries for individuals 65 and older in rural and urban communities of Missouri. Learn More.
Older adults aged 65 and older in Missouri experience a fall at a 27% each year. This is in line with the national average. Learn More.
Balance issues affect between 30% – 65% of individuals recovering from brain injury. Poor balance increases their risks of falls and another brain injury. Learn More.
Individuals with traumatic brain injury (TBI) commonly report problems with balance. A person’s ability to balance after a brain injury depends on many factors:
- The severity of the brain injury
- Parts of the brain that were injured
- Other injuries sustained along with the brain injury
- Use of medications to manage medical conditions connected with the traumatic event or accident
Learn More.
Older adults are at high risk of a brain injury due to a fall. Prevention is the best cure for brain injury. Ways to reduce the risk of falls in the home are to put a nonslip mat in the bathroom or shower, remove area rugs, remove clutter in halls and walkways, and improve inside and outside lighting. Learn More.
Vestibular dysfunction causes imbalance in about 80% of acute hospitalized brain injury patients and persists in 50% of these individuals for five years post-injury. Vestibular dysfunction is linked to falls, lower return-to-work, and reduced longevity. Learn More.
The purpose of Missouri AgrAbility is to help increase the likelihood that farmers, ranchers, farm workers, and farm family members who are limited by disability or chronic health condition and are employed in production agriculture or agriculture-related occupations become more successful. 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.
#MyBrainInjuryJourney @MOAgrAbility @ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies @HeroestoHivesMO @MOBeginningFarmers
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are closely associated with a range of mental health issues. Research indicates that individuals who have sustained a TBI are at a significantly higher risk for developing psychiatric disorders. Studies show that up to 77% of brain injury survivors receive a psychiatric diagnosis within the first-year post-injury (e.g. anxiety, depression, mood, or substance-use disorders). Missouri’s 2020 TBI Needs Assessment reported similar trends locally.” Learn More.
Research shows that almost half (46%) of adults and about 33% of juveniles in correctional or detention facilities have a history of brain injury. Learn More.
Research shows a link between people in correctional or detention facilities with a history of TBI, or other head and brain injuries, and mental health problems, such as severe depression and anxiety, substance use disorders, uninhibited or impulsive behavior, difficulty controlling anger, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or attempts, especially among juveniles, and problems with thinking and behavior. Learn More.
Missouri AgrAbility is a resource for farmers with disabilities to explore options to continue farming based on their current abilities and farming operation. Learn More.
The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services TBI Needs Assessment in 2017 revealed a notable rise in mental health issues following a TBI. Specifically, depression rates increased from 24% before the injury to 65% after the injury. Additionally, other mental health conditions rose from 18% pre-injury to 45% post-injury, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) saw an increase from 9% to 33% In Missouri that is an average of 48% across the three categories. Learn More.
The Missouri Traumatic Brain Injury Needs Assessment 2020 found that depression rates went from 25% to more than 66% after the brain injury. Anxiety, PTSD, and other related mental health conditions also rose, with a 48% increase. In Missouri, nearly half of survivors reported their mental health became worse after the brain injury. Learn More.
The Brain Injury Association of Missouri (BIA-MO) offers Support Groups, Community Resource Services, Survivor and Family Education, and Recreational Camps to help meet the needs of individuals with brain injury and their families. 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.
#ConcussionAwarenessNow @MOAgrAbility @ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies @HeroestoHivesMO @MOBeginningFarmers
Military personnel can experience a brain injury from combat connected events or civilian life activities such as a stroke, fall, car crash, or other incident. Combat connected activities, such as blast exposures may put them at increased risk for sustaining a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Service Members may sustain a brain injury during day-to-day activities, military training, or deployment maneuvers. Most traumatic brain injuries (TBI), sustained by members of the U.S. Armed Forces are classified as mild traumatic brain injury, also referred to as a concussion. Learn More.
Regardless of the cause, service members who sustain a brain injury may experience changes in their thought processing, physical abilities, perceptions, or mental health. Learn More.
Brain injury is associated with an increased risk of mental health conditions for Military Active Duty, National Guard, Reserve Personnel and Veterans. This can include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety and depression. Service members are encouraged to obtain professional mental health services for improved well-being. The Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH) Behavioral Health Services Provider Map is a resource to locate professional services. Learn More.
Veterans with brain injury have chronic conditions that affect daily life such as:
- Hormonal disruption – TBI can damage the pituitary gland, leading to chronic hormonal imbalances that affect metabolism, growth, energy, and emotional regulation. Learn More.
- Neurodegeneration – Survivors of moderate to severe brain injury are at higher risk for later-life Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and CTE (chronic traumatic encephalopathy). Learn More.
- Chronic Fatigue- More than 52% of Veterans with TBI report long-term fatigue that affects daily life. Learn More.
The Heroes to Hives – Missouri State Chapter program is an opportunity for Veterans, veteran families and their dependents over the age of 18 to learn financial and personal wellbeing through FREE professional training and community development centered around beekeeping. 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.
#MyBrainInjuryJourney @MOAgrAbility @ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies @HeroestoHivesMO @MOBeginningFarmers
Brain injury can change lives in an instant, for the injured person 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.
In rural and urban counties in Missouri, accidents/unintentional injuries are the third leading cause of death. In rural Missouri between 2019 – 2023, there were 22,643 deaths from unintentional injuries, including motor vehicle crashes and falls that can cause 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 the areas of – cognitive functioning, physical abilities, perceptions, emotional/behavioral control, and mental health. Every brain injury is different. Learn More.
18,376 Military Personnel received a medical diagnosis of a traumatic brain injury in 2024 according to the Department of Defense (DOD). There have been over half a million diagnosed brain injuries in service members since 2000. Learn More.
When brain injury happens, you may 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.
#MyBrainInjuryJourney @MOAgrAbility @ShowMeStrongFarmFamilies @HeroestoHivesMO @MOBeginningFarmers
How To Help
Click on the online donation link.
Mail a donation to:
Donation Mailing Address
Brain Injury Association of Missouri
2265 Schuetz Rd
Saint Louis, MO 63146-3409
Collaborating Partners:
These materials are based in part upon work supported by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), United States Department of Agriculture, under sponsored project number Missouri AgrAbility Award 2022-41590-38128.
This project was supported, in part by grant number 90TBSG0061-05-00, from the U.S. Administration for Community Living, Department of Health and Human Services, Washington, D.C. 20201. Grantees undertaking projects under government sponsorship are encouraged to express freely their findings and conclusions. Points of view or opinions do not, therefore, necessarily represent official Administration for Community Living policy.
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BIA-MO UPCOMING EVENTS
Upcoming Support Group Meetings
St. Louis South (Online) – September 13
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Kansas City Male Survivors – September 15
Rolla – September 15
Springfield Survivors – September 16
St. Louis North – September 16
Warsaw – September 16
One-Day Regional Outdoor Camps
Springfield – Thursday, September 10, 2026
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Join Us: October 20 – 21, 2026
