Traumatic Brain Injury

 

Missouri Needs Assessment for Traumatic Brain Injury

Are you a brain injury survivor who works or volunteers?

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS), along with the Brain Injury Association of Missouri (BIA-MO) and the University of Missouri-Kansas City Institute for Human Development (UMKC-IHD), want to learn more about your work and volunteer experiences. We hope to use this survey to create a Missouri Plan to improve the experiences of brain injury survivors with work and volunteering. This Plan will be used to guide statewide activities in the coming years.

Make your voice heard, your input is so important to current and future work statewide! Please complete this survey by June 30!

Employment and Volunteering Survey

Traumatic Brain Injury in Missouri State Plan

 

House Bill 300 known as the “Interscholastic Youth Sports Brain Injury Prevention Act” became effective August 28, 2011. The primary intent is to promote the safety and protection against long-term injury of a youth athlete.

For information and materials regarding sports concussions you may visit the following sites:

 

Missouri map with various people

What is TBI?

A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is caused by a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. Not all blows or jolts to the head result in a TBI. The severity of a TBI may range from “mild,” i.e., a brief change in mental status or consciousness to “severe,” i.e., an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury. (As defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.)

Did you know?

  • 5.3 million Americans currently live with disabilities resulting from traumatic brain injury
  • 16,500 Missourians are admitted to an emergency department or hospitalized every year with a traumatic injury to the brain
  • Traumatic brain injury is the signature injury of our military serving in the Global War on Terror
  • Every 9 seconds someone sustains a brain injury
  • In the United States each year it is estimated 50,000 people die from brain injury
  • Prevention is the only cure for and public awareness is key to prevention of traumatic brain injury
  • Traumatic brain injury is a life changing injury that affects the whole family as well as the injured person
  • Fallen and hit your head
  • Been assaulted or abused
  • Served in active duty military in a war zone
  • Been in an accident
  • Had a sports injury
  • Been hit by a bullet or blast
  • Had a workplace accident
  • Been told you have a concussion

If you answered yes to any of the above than you may have experienced a brain injury. Many mild traumatic brain injuries occur without being diagnosed but can cause long-term consequences.

  • Headaches
  • Seizures
  • Weakness or paralysis
  • Dizziness
  • Excessive Fatigue
  • Vision Change
  • Mood swings (easily frustrated, anxious, angry, depressed, low self-esteem)
  • Ringing in the ears

If you have experienced any of the symptoms listed above you are encouraged to seek a medical professional for evaluation.

  • Balance and coordination
  • Forgetting things (memory problems)
  • Physical disabilities
  • Concentration
  • Learning new things
  • Paying attention
  • Speech and language (expressing thought or not understanding what is said)
  • Problem solving

If you have experienced any of the consequences listed above you are encouraged to seek a medical professional for evaluation.

For more details about TBI and living with its consequences, visit the TBI Resources and Related Links section of this web site.

  • Learn as much as possible about TBI and available resources.
  • Contact Brain Injury Association of American (BIAA) which can direct you to information/resource referral organization serving individuals with traumatic brain injury and their families.
  • Do not be afraid to ask for help. Make contact with all possible resources available to you. Engaging early into services can have a positive effect on long-term outcomes.
  • Become an advocate for your loved one by seeking information and asking questions to make informed choices.
  • Make sure the person/family's goals and priorities are communicated clearly to all involved in coordinating and planning services and supports.
  • Seek support systems that will give you strength for your journey. Support systems may include natural support (i.e. family, friends) and supports provided by community organizations and agencies (i.e. support groups, civic organizations, service coordinators).
  • Keep all important medical information in a safe and organized place. This information may assist in expediting access and coordination of services.