Brain Injury is one of the contributing factors to mobility issues

Brain injury is one of the contributing factors to mobility issues, potentially causing brain dysfunction that affects speech, memory, and movement. Mobility aids can often help poor balance, weakened muscles and uncontrolled movements that impact coordination and autonomy.

A traumatic brain injury or TBI, is sudden physical damage to the brain that either has temporary or lasting effects; this does not extend to congenital conditions and is typically caused by an external source, such as a car accident or blow to the head. Some things that can be affected by a TBI are speech, memory, personality, and mobility, which merits the use of mobility devices in many instances.

Brain injury is one of the contributing factors to mobility issues

If you see someone in a wheelchair or using a mobility aid, it may not be a physical condition impacting their mobility, but rather an injury to the brain. It is estimated that over two-and-a-half-million people endure the lasting impacts of a traumatic brain injury in the US; this correlates with the assertion that brain injury is a major contributor to mobility issues and limitations.

Spasms

Brain injury can also impact the ability to control movements. Some brain trauma may cause uncontrolled spasms, jerking movements, or slower-than-usual response time. This can interfere with coordination and balance, resulting in a fall or mobility problem.

Weakness

Brain injury can cause muscle weakness and loss of strength. This may be as severe as requiring assistance and mobility aids to get around. This may also manifest in one limb being far stronger than the other, which contributes to potential mobility issues. It is not uncommon to find those recovering from a traumatic brain injury to be living with physical limitations of some degree.

Balance

Balance is another function that can be significantly impacted by a brain injury. It could be difficult for those with TBI to control movements, adjust their posture, or take steps to preserve balance, which may result in a nasty fall. Adjustments made to preserve balance is a complex function of the brain that can be impacted by trauma or injury to the brain.

Spread the word for Brain Injury Awareness Month this March

Show support for the increasing number of people living with a TBI in the US by honoring Brain Injury Awareness Month in March; traumatic brain injury impacts more than mere brain function – things like memory, reasoning, and personality – but also affects the families, loved ones, and caregivers of those living with a TBI. Caregivers may be most at-risk for burn-out when working closely with someone who has a brain injury, as symptoms may manifest suddenly, inconsistently, and unpredictably, which can add to the challenge. Mobility issues bring their own distinct obstacles, which makes mobility devices even more pragmatic. Ensure safety with quality mobility aids that are professionally-installed and o something meaningful during March to acknowledge, affirm, and advocate for all those affected by traumatic brain injury; after all, it can happen to anyone at any time.

Some examples of how to give back and spread the word for Brain Injury Awareness include:

• Attend an event, function, or charity-organized gathering to show support and contribute monetarily to the cause. Check online posts and calendars for scheduled events in your area.
• Relieve a caregiver of duties for an hour; even if the caregiver is reticent to leave you alone with their charge, give them the freedom to do something else or take a break while you sit and stay with the patient.
• If your patient, friend, or loved one has a child, take the child out for some fun. Spend a couple hours after school, go the movies, grab a bite – do something that alleviates some responsibility off of the primary caregiver while also showing some love to a child.
• Become informed about traumatic brain injury and what it can cause. Even if you are not impacted by brain injury, but struggle with mobility issues, check out the online articles and scholarly posts to gain empathy and insight into this condition that affects so many Americans, every day.

Make a bit of time for someone impacted by traumatic brain injury, whether it is a patient, a child, a friend, or a caregiver, and pay homage to this growing population for awareness in March – or any time of the year!

What will you do to honor those living with brain injury? Advocate and assist someone with physical limitations resulting from TBI get the mobility aids that can improve quality of everyday life. Talk to the mobility experts and have an assessment to determine the best approaches, devices, and equipment for you – or your loved one – and increase access, enhance convenience, and preserve autonomy today.