SALT LAKE CITY, Utah (Good Things Utah) – March is National Brain Injury Awareness Month. University of Utah Health is encouraging everyone to learn more about brain injuries, prevention and treatment options.

More than two million Americans experience a brain injury each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Annually in the US an estimated 5.3 million Americans are living today with a disability related to traumatic brain injury. Brain Injury is a public health concern that demands ongoing epidemiological study, increased efforts to prevent injuries from occurring, and research to advance medical options and therapeutic interventions.

  • Most traumatic brain injuries are caused by a fall, car accident, sports or assault.
  • Non-traumatic brain injury can occur as a result of stroke, reduced oxygen levels or brain infection.
  • Concussion/Mild TBI is the most common type of traumatic brain injury.
  • The brain possesses an extraordinary ability to repair itself after a traumatic injury. This ability is known as neuroplasticity, and it’s the reason that many brain injury survivors can make astounding recoveries.

University of Utah treats traumatic brain injuries and non-traumatic brain injuries at Craig H. Neilsen Rehabilitation Hospital and at Sugarhouse Health Center (Outpatient Rehabilitation)

The University of Utah Health’s brain injury program helps guide you through a healing plan tailored to your individual health needs:

  • Augmentative communication devices
  • Cognitive rehabilitation
  • Community reintegration
  • An assistive technology center
  • Family education and training

University of Utah Health provides a team of medical specialists in the following areas to help create a personalized treatment and recovery plan:

  • Occupational therapists
  • Physical therapists
  • Speech language pathologists
  • Social workers
  • Psychologists
  • Rehab nurses
  • Rehab educators
  • Physicians
  • Dietitians

The University of Utah Health created an outreach support program called TRAILS (Technology Recreation Access Independent Lifestyle Sports).

Learn more online at UofUHealth.org/braininjury or call 801-646-8000. #MoreThanMyBrainInjury

Sponsored by University of Utah Health.