March Is Brain Injury Awareness Month

Posted March 6, 2025

Takeaways

Brain Injury Awareness Month is dedicated to promoting education and support for individuals affected by brain injuries.
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) can range from mild concussions to severe damage and can lead to physical or mental impairments.
A special needs planning attorney can assist in creating a comprehensive plan for individuals with disabilities resulting from brain injuries, including establishing special needs trusts to preserve government benefits.

As it has for nearly 40 years, early March marks the beginning of Brain Injury Awareness Month. Brain injury, often referred to as traumatic brain injury (TBI), can range from mild concussions to severe damage and is caused by an impact to the head or the body.

These kinds of injuries are a major cause of death and disability. They can lead to physical or mental impairments for the short or long term that may limit a person’s ability to carry out major life activities, from walking or speaking to regulating their emotions or maintaining concentration.

Nontraumatic brain injuries may also begin internally because of disease, a hereditary condition, stroke, lack of oxygen, or other internal medical conditions.

Millions of Americans are affected by a brain injury every year, not including their family members who make adjustments to accommodate a new situation brought about by a loved one’s brain injury.

Learning About Brain Injuries

The nationwide, monthlong campaign of Brain Injury Awareness Month focuses on supporting and promoting education about brain injuries through a variety of information sources to:

De-stigmatize brain injury
Empower those who have survived
Promote support organizations
Raise funds to assist and support those affected

More than 5.3 million Americans are living with brain injury-related disabilities. For head injury patients, the costs of hospitalization, rehabilitation, and lost employment can be exorbitant. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the direct and indirect health care costs of TBI amount to more than $81 billion annually.

Fall Prevention

The Brain Injury Awareness campaign also seeks to mitigate risks, especially for those most vulnerable, including older adults. Falls are the leading cause of TBI, and the older a person is, the higher the risk of a TBI. The CDC’s Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR) documents a nationwide increase in the rate of fall-related deaths caused by TBI.

Unsurprisingly, the largest increase in fall-related TBI deaths was among older adults aged 75 or more. To combat this trend, the CDC began the initiative Stopping Elderly Accidents, Deaths & Injuries (STEADI), which includes tools and resources for health care providers to improve the identification of older adults at risk for a fall.

The initiative also includes effective strategies that reduce the risk of fall-related injuries, including TBI. Lightweight wearable sensors that continuously monitor and identify changes in gait and other markers in activities of daily living are a promising low-cost technology in the effort to prevent older adult falls, particularly those opting to age in place.

What Can You Do to Support Brain Injury Awareness Month?

You have already accomplished one activity: learning about traumatic brain injury by reading this article. If you are looking to do more, consider the following:

Donate directly to a credible brain injury support organization
Invite a speaker to your workplace, place of worship, or service organization for an educational workshop
Post your support for brain injury awareness on social media
Create a webpage that raises funds and awareness through a site such as GoFundMe
Attend an awareness event
Volunteer, distribute literature, or help an individual or family in need
Educate yourself on the symptoms of and treatment for concussions
If you are a survivor of a brain injury, consider telling your story. The Brain Injury Association has a special webpage featuring shared personal stories. Your experience can help others know they’re not alone and may provide insight, sage advice, and support. A caring community can help problem solve and prevent the growing incidents of brain injury.

How a Special Needs Planning Attorney Can Offer Support

If you or a loved one have suffered a brain injury or other type of debilitating injury resulting in a disability, be sure to connect with an experienced special needs planning attorney near you.

For individuals with disabilities, a special needs planning attorney can play a crucial role in navigating the complexities that may arise after a brain injury. They understand the unique challenges that come with such injuries and can help you create a comprehensive plan tailored to your specific situation. With their guidance, you can ensure that the needs of you or a loved one are met now and in the future.

Special Needs Trusts and Government Benefits

For one, attorneys specializing in this area of law can assist in establishing a legal tool known as a special needs trust for you or your loved one. This type of trust allows the individual with the disability to receive financial support without risking their eligibility for government benefits, such as Medicaid or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

They can help you and your personal injury attorney understand the implications of any settlements or awards you may receive following the injury, ensuring that you do not inadvertently lose access to vital benefits. By setting up a trust, you can ensure that funds are available for additional care, therapies, and other necessities that may not be covered by public assistance.

Other Estate Planning and Asset Protection Strategies

In addition, a special needs planning attorney can help execute essential legal documents, such as a durable power of attorney and a health care proxy. These documents designate trusted individuals to make financial and medical decisions on your behalf if you or your loved one are unable to do so. This ensures that your wishes are respected and that your loved ones are not left to navigate difficult decisions without guidance.

These professionals can also provide valuable advice on how to manage and protect assets as well as offer ongoing support and resources. They may be able to connect you with community services, rehabilitation programs, and support groups that can enhance the quality of life for you or your loved one. With their expertise, you can feel more confident in your planning and focus on what truly matters — providing care and support for the individual in your life who is now navigating their new reality.

For further reading about the rights of individuals with disabilities, check out the following articles:

Rebecca Shandrick