Brain Injury Awareness Month

Press Release 2024 for Brain Injury Awareness Month

June 3, 2024

Ontario Brain Injury Association Launches “Watch Your Step” Campaign for Brain Injury Awareness Month

ONTARIO, Canada – June is Brain Injury Awareness Month, and this year, the Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA) is launching the “Watch Your Step” campaign to highlight the often-overlooked risks of falls and their potential to cause traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The campaign emphasizes that falls can happen anytime, anywhere, and to anyone, urging the public to recognize the serious impact of such incidents.

Did You Know?

Falls are a leading cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Canada.[i]
In children aged 0-4 years, approximately 70% of mild traumatic brain injuries are caused by falls.[ii]
About 1 in 4 patients with concussion symptoms from a fall are misdiagnosed in the Emergency Department.[iii]
Falls are the primary cause of traumatic brain injury among seniors (65+).[i]

“Falls are a frequently overlooked cause of concussions and brain injuries. Unfortunately, more visible injuries, such as broken bones, often overshadow concussions and brain injuries sustained from falls,” said Ruth Wilcock, CEO of OBIA.

Alarming Statistics

Emergency Room Oversights: Shockingly, about 1 in 4 patients with concussion symptoms from a fall are misdiagnosed in the Emergency Department. This alarming statistic highlights a critical gap in our healthcare system, where the signs of a brain injury are missed, leading to inadequate treatment and a potentially prolonged recovery.
Children’s Vulnerability: Falls account for approximately 70% of mild traumatic brain injuries in children aged 0-4 years. These young patients are particularly vulnerable, and the long-term impact of undiagnosed brain injuries can be severe.
Seniors at Risk: Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injury among seniors, and the physical aspects of the fall are often prioritized over potential brain injuries. Many seniors are misdiagnosed with dementia when, in fact, they have sustained a brain injury from a fall.

“By increasing awareness and education about the risks and consequences of falls, we can help prevent brain injuries and ensure that those affected receive the care they need,” added Wilcock.

For more information about the “Watch Your Step” campaign and resources on preventing falls and recognizing brain injuries, visit obia.ca.

Contact:

Ontario Brain Injury Association
Ruth Wilcock, CEO
Phone: 905-641-8877
Email: rwilcock@obia.on.ca
Website: obia.ca

Sources:

[i] Public Health Agency of Canada. (2020). Spotlight on traumatic brain injuries across the life course. https://www.canada.ca/content/dam/phac-aspc/documents/services/injury-prevention/canadian-hospitals-injury-reporting-prevention-program/injury-reports/2020-spotlight-traumatic-brain-injuries-life-course/injury-in-review-2020-eng.pdf
[ii] Rose, S.C., Levine, D.A., Shi, j., Wheeler, K., Aungst, T., Stanley, R.M., Beauchamp,M.H. (2023). Emergency department visits for mild traumatic brain injury in early childhood. The American Journal of Emergency Medicine, 65, 36-42. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2022.12.035.
[iii ] Rowe, B. H., Eliyahu, L., Lowes, J., Gaudet, L. A., Beach, J., Mrazik, M.,…& Voaklander, D. (2018). Concussion diagnoses among adults presenting to three Canadian emergency departments: missed opportunities. The American Journal of Emergency Medicine, 36(12), 2144-2151 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2018.03.040

Watch Your Step: Falls Can Happen Anytime, Anywhere to Anyone! Social Media Posts #BIAM2024

Did you know?

Falls are a leading cause of traumatic brain injury in Canada!

#BIAM2024
#BrainInjuryAwarenessMonth
#OBIACanHelp

Did you know?

In children, aged 0-4 years, approximately 70% of mild traumatic brain injuries are caused by falls.

#BIAM2024
#BrainInjuryAwarenessMonth
#OBIACanHelp

Did you know?

Falls are the primary cause of traumatic brain injury among seniors (65+).

#BIAM2024
#BrainInjuryAwarenessMonth
#OBIACanHelp

Did you know?

The most common cause of hospitalization for head injuries are falls.

#BIAM2024
#BrainInjuryAwarenessMonth
#OBIACanHelp

Did you know?

1 in 3 falls result in a head impact, which may cause a traumatic brain injury.

#BIAM2024
#BrainInjuryAwarenessMonth
#OBIACanHelp

Did you know?

About 1 in 4 patients with concussion symptoms from a fall are misdiagnosed in the Emergency Department.

#BIAM2024
#BrainInjuryAwarenessMonth
#OBIACanHelp

Full page flyer - Watch your step

You can download the full page infographic flyer to print here.

Download Flyer

#BIAM2024
#BrainInjuryAwarenessMonth
#OBIACanHelp

Watch your step - BIAM 2024

You can download this Brain Injury Awareness Month flyer here.

Download Flyer

#BIAM2024
#BrainInjuryAwarenessMonth
#OBIACanHelp

In an Instant – Social Media Posts #BIAM2023

Did you know?

The leading causes of anoxic brain injury are oxygen deprivation at birth, stroke, strangulation, choking, drowning, drug overdose, allergic reactions, and sudden blows to the windpipe.