Brain Injury Awareness Month

By Regan Roberts – Student Intern

June marks Brain Injury Awareness Month—a time to reflect on the profound and often invisible effects of traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and acquired brain injury (ABI). According to Brain Injury Canada (2024), TBI is a leading cause of disability worldwide. In Canada, approximately 2% of the population lives with the effects of a TBI, accounting for about 18,000 hospitalizations each year.

Living with Hidden Damage: My Journey with Traumatic Brain Injury

A few years ago, I could never have imagined how life-changing such an injury could be. That all changed in October 2021, when I was involved in a life-threatening car accident that left me in a coma for seven days. When I woke up, the road to recovery was beginning. I spent three months in the hospital, relearning basic functions I once took for granted—like reading, sitting up, and walking.

This experience opened my eyes to the reality of brain injuries—their lasting impact, the resilience required to heal, and the importance of awareness and support for those affected.

At the time, I was reassured by medical professionals that my brain was “fine” and that any impact had been minimal. What I didn’t realize was that I had suffered a TBI, and it would not be diagnosed for two years. Healing from a traumatic brain injury isn’t always straightforward. It can manifest in subtle, frustrating ways that aren’t immediately visible, but unclear for those who endure the injury.

I struggled with tasks that had once come easily: recalling simple details, forming smooth sentences, and even understanding the words on a page. These cognitive challenges didn’t align with what I had been told about my recovery, and that disconnect left me feeling confused and isolated.

It wasn’t until June 2024—nearly three years after the accident—that an MRI revealed the presence of a traumatic brain injury, following a silent stroke I had experienced. Further assessments by specialists confirmed that the brain damage had resulted from the 2021 car accident and that I had suffered not just one but two silent strokes since then.

I returned to work in May 2023 but quickly struggled in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I struggled with organizational skills, articulating my thoughts, and managing my emotions, which often felt overwhelming and unpredictable. Working in social services, I was expected to support others through their crises—yet I found myself breaking down in tears during conversations with clients, confused and frustrated by my inability to understand what was happening to me.

Nothing made sense. When I contacted Human Resources for support, I felt dismissed and left to navigate the situation independently. At the time, I had no understanding of traumatic brain injury, which only deepened my sense of confusion, isolation, and helplessness.

I later learned that women with TBI are more likely than men to experience mental health challenges post-injury, including depression and anxiety. These struggles are often compounded by the invisible nature of the injury, making it harder to access support and be believed when symptoms persist.

With proper diagnosis and the right social and community support in place after my silent strokes, I was finally able to understand what was happening, approach my healing journey with greater self-compassion, and learn how to manage my condition effectively and in a new light.

Understanding Traumatic & Acquired Brain Injury

Of all types of injury, brain injury is the most likely to result in permanent disability or death. As the control center of the nervous system, the brain is the most complex and vital organ in the human body. It governs everything we do—our thoughts, movements, emotions, and even basic functions while we sleep.

In the study by Champagne et al. (2023), among all types of TBIs, concussions are the most common, accounting for approximately 80% to 95% of such injuries. Often termed as a “mild TBI,” a concussion typically results in a rapid onset of short-lived impairment of neurologic function that resolves spontaneously. Common symptoms include headache, dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and sensitivity to light and sound. Though loss of consciousness may also occur, this outcome is observed in less than 10% of cases.

The ABCs of Brain Injury

According to the Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA), here are the key definitions that help distinguish between different types of brain injuries:

An Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) an acquired brain injury is the umbrella term for all brain injuries. There is damage to the brain that occurs after birth from a traumatic or non-traumatic event. ABI is not related to a congenital disorder or degenerative disease, such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Multiple Sclerosis or Parkinson’s Disease. The injury changes the brain’s neuronal activity, which affects the brain’s physical integrity, metabolic activity, or functional ability of nerve cells in the brain.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is damage to the brain caused by a traumatic event such as a blow to the head, a fall, a motor vehicle or a sports-related injury.

Non-Traumatic Brain Injury is damage to the brain caused by illness such as meningitis or encephalitis, oxygen deprivation (anoxia) or stroke.

A Concussion is a Brain Injury caused by a sudden acceleration of the head and neck resulting from a blow or contact to the body. You do not need to lose consciousness to have sustained a concussion. Concussions can occur from many different activities, including falls, assault, motor vehicle collisions, sports or being struck by an object. Symptoms can appear immediately or, in some cases, days following the initial injury. 

The Scope in Canada

Prevalence

Brain Injury Canada noted that the prevalence and incidence of TBIs in Canada are both alarming and significant, with approximately 2% of the population, or over 700,000 individuals, living with a TBI. This statistic highlights the widespread nature of the issue, affecting a large portion of the Canadian population. The annual incidence of ABIs is even more striking, surpassing the combined rates of several major health conditions, including Multiple Sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, Alzheimer’s disease, HIV/AIDS, and breast cancer.

Incidence

According to the Northern Brain Injury Association British Columbia, roughly 165,000 Canadians experience a severe brain injury each year, which translates to one person every three minutes. This high rate of incidence underscores the urgent need for enhanced awareness, prevention strategies, and appropriate healthcare resources to address and manage brain injuries in Canada.

Hospitalizations

Furthermore, TBIs place a substantial burden on Canada’s healthcare system, with Brain Injury Canada noting that approximately 18,000 TBI-related hospitalizations occur each year. These hospitalizations reflect the serious nature of TBIs, which often involve immediate and intensive medical care. Beyond the initial emergency response, many patients face long recovery periods involving rehabilitation, follow-up care, and support services, which can strain both healthcare resources and the individuals affected. The high number of hospitalizations highlights the ongoing need for injury prevention programs, public education, and investments in healthcare infrastructure to manage and reduce TBI-related cases effectively.

Mortality

The consequences of TBIs are not limited to hospitalizations—they are also a leading cause of injury-related death. In a study by Champagne et al. (2023), it was found that between 2002 and 2016, over 20% of all injury deaths in Canada involved a TBI diagnosis. This statistic reveals the fatal potential of these injuries and further emphasizes their impact on public health. The high mortality rate, combined with the frequency of hospital admissions, paints a concerning picture of the severity and scope of brain injuries in Canada.

Addressing this issue requires a coordinated response that includes policy development, injury surveillance, targeted interventions, and increased research and healthcare services.

Vulnerable Populations

Certain groups are disproportionately affected by traumatic brain injury (TBI).

Youth and Young Adults

Youth and young adults aged 15 to 24 are among the most vulnerable, with many TBIs resulting from sports-related injuries and motor vehicle accidents (Journal of Men’s Health).

Seniors

At the other end of the age spectrum, seniors aged 65 and older are at high risk, with falls being the leading cause of TBI in this group (Ontario Brain Injury Association). These age-related trends highlight the need for targeted prevention strategies and support systems across the lifespan.

Women and Incarcerated Individuals

Women and incarcerated individuals are two additional groups disproportionately impacted by traumatic brain injury (TBI). Research shows that approximately one-third of all people living with TBI are women, and intimate partner violence (IPV) is a major, often overlooked contributing factor (Brain Injury Canada; The Guardian; Wikipedia).

Brain injuries caused by IPV are frequently undiagnosed or misattributed, leaving many women without the support they need for recovery. Similarly, individuals who are incarcerated face significantly higher rates of brain injury: studies reveal that nearly half of Ontario’s prison population has sustained at least one TBI, often linked to early-life trauma, violence, or lack of access to care (Journal of Men’s Health; Wikipedia).

As the Brain Injury Association of Waterloo-Wellington (BIAWW) emphasizes, early intervention and community-based education are crucial to reducing the long-term impacts of brain injury in these at-risk demographics.

Challenges in Management and Support

TBI doesn’t always look like a cast or a scar—it often hides behind a smile, a stutter, or a sudden lapse in memory. That’s why awareness is crucial. It ensures we create communities where survivors are seen, heard, and supported, not doubted or dismissed.

Delayed Diagnosis

Despite the high prevalence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Canada, several critical challenges hinder effective diagnosis, treatment, and long-term management (PubMed Central; PubMed; Canadian Pediatric Society). One of the most significant barriers is delayed or missed diagnosis, particularly in cases of mild TBI or concussion, where symptoms can be subtle, delayed, or mistaken for other issues (Brain Injury Canada; Government of British Columbia; Canadian Concussion Network).

Individuals may experience cognitive, emotional, or physical changes but lack awareness that these symptoms stem from a brain injury. Without early detection, people are left vulnerable to compounding effects such as mental health struggles, difficulties at work or school, and breakdowns in relationships. This highlights the urgent need for greater public education, improved screening protocols, and training for healthcare professionals to ensure brain injuries are recognized and addressed as early as possible.

Limited Access to Care

Furthermore, access to specialized care and rehabilitation services for individuals with TBIs remains a significant challenge in Canada, especially in rural and remote communities. While urban centers may offer a range of supports, including neurologists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and dedicated rehabilitation facilities, these services are often scarce or entirely unavailable outside major cities. Individuals living in underserved areas frequently face long wait times, travel burdens, and financial barriers when accessing the care they need. This disparity can lead to delayed recovery, worsened outcomes, and increased long-term dependence on health and social support systems.

Support and Resources

Several organizations provide support for individuals affected by TBI:

• Brain Injury Canada: This organization offers education, advocacy, and a service directory for people with acquired brain injuries.
• March of Dimes Canada: Provides rehabilitation and social support services for people dealing with the effects of brain injury.
• Ontario Brain Injury Association (OBIA): This organization offers a helpline and various support services for individuals and their caregivers.
• Brain Injury Association of Waterloo-Wellington (BIAWW): This organization provides advocacy, education, and support for individuals with acquired brain injury in the Waterloo-Wellington region.
• https://labs.icahn.mssm.edu/galynkerlab/ – Directed by Dr. Igor Galynker, the Suicide Prevention Research Lab at Mount Sinai conducts clinical research focused on understanding the Suicide Crisis Syndrome (SCS): a negative cognitive-affective state associated with imminent suicidal behaviour in those who are already at high risk for suicide, like those with TBI.

Moving Forward

Addressing the TBI epidemic in Canada requires a multifaceted and proactive approach, beginning with prevention. Reducing the risk of brain injuries means implementing and enforcing safety measures across all areas of life, including sports, workplaces, transportation, and homes.

Prevention and Awareness

According to the Government of Canada, preventative strategies such as helmet use, fall prevention programs for seniors, concussion protocols in sports, and workplace safety regulations are essential in minimizing the incidence of TBI. Public education campaigns can also play a vital role in raising awareness about risk factors and encouraging safer behaviours. By investing in prevention efforts, Canada can significantly reduce the physical, emotional, and financial burden of brain injuries on individuals, families, and the healthcare system.

In addition, it is important to educate the public and healthcare professionals about TBI’s signs, symptoms, and long-term effects. Another critical pillar in addressing the TBI epidemic in Canada is research. Investing in scientific and clinical research is essential to deepen our understanding of how traumatic brain injuries affect the brain, how they differ across populations, and how best to support recovery. According to Brain Injury Canada, ongoing research is crucial for developing more effective treatments, improving diagnostic tools, and creating personalized rehabilitation programs that address TBI patients’ complex and diverse needs.

Research Investment

Continued funding and support for research initiatives also help to uncover the long-term impacts of brain injury, including its links to mental health, neurodegenerative diseases, and quality of life. Robust research efforts will improve survivors’ outcomes and create a more responsive healthcare system.

Policy Development

Developing a national strategy is essential to ensure consistent, equitable, and comprehensive support for individuals affected by TBIs across Canada. A coordinated approach would address gaps in care, standardize services, and improve access to diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation, regardless of location or socioeconomic status. By acknowledging the severity and long-term impact of TBI and by taking proactive, collaborative steps, Canada can not only enhance quality of life for survivors but also reduce the overall incidence and liability of these life-altering injuries.

Conclusion

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a silent epidemic in Canada, affecting thousands of people each year. The impact is often invisible, hiding behind a smile, a stutter, or a sudden lapse in memory. This makes awareness and education not just important, but essential. It ensures that survivors of TBI are seen, heard, and supported, not doubted or dismissed. The importance of early diagnosis, effective treatment, and long-term care cannot be overstated, as the right support can make all the difference in a person’s recovery journey.

But it’s not just about medical care. It’s about creating communities where survivors are embraced, where they can share their stories, and where their experiences are validated. For far too long, people with TBI have faced isolation, confusion, and a lack of understanding, both from others and sometimes even from within themselves.

Raising awareness is a key first step in breaking down the barriers that prevent people from seeking help and finding hope. We must start seeing the invisible impacts of TBI—whether cognitive, emotional, or physical—as real and worthy of support.

If you or someone you know is recovering from a TBI, I want you to hear this: you are not alone, and your journey is valid. Healing is not linear; it is filled with setbacks and progress, moments of frustration and triumph. But recovery is possible with time, patience, and the support of a community that understands.

By taking proactive steps in prevention, awareness, and support, we can ensure that those affected by TBI —whether in the workplace, at home, in school, or sports—receive the care and dignity they deserve. Let’s commit to making TBI more visible and creating a future where individuals do not have to navigate this life-altering injury alone. We can build a stronger, more informed, and compassionate Canada.

If you or someone you know is recovering from a TBI, please know this: you are not alone, and your journey is valid. Healing takes time, patience, and community.

References

1. Brain Injury Canada. (n.d.). Traumatic brain injury. Retrieved May 12, 2025, from https://braininjurycanada.ca/en/traumatic-brain-injury/
2. Brain Injury Canada. (n.d.). Statistics. Retrieved May 12, 2025, from https://braininjurycanada.ca/en/statistics/
3. Champagne, A. S., Yao, X., McFaull, S. R., Saxena, S., Gordon, K. R., Babul, S., & Thompson, W. (2023). Self-reported concussions in Canada: A cross-sectional study. Health Reports, 34(6), 17–28. https://doi.org/10.25318/82-003-x202300600002-eng
4. Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. (2020, October 7). Home | Galynker Lab. Galynker Lab |. https://labs.icahn.mssm.edu/galynkerlab/
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11. March of Dimes Canada. (n.d.). Acquired brain injury services. Retrieved May 12, 2025, from https://www.marchofdimes.ca/en-ca/programs/abi
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