March is Brain Injury Awareness Month
Like spinal CSF leak, a brain injury does not discriminate: it can happen to anyone, anywhere, and at any time. This month is an opportunity to raise awareness about the spectrum of brain injury and what it’s like for those who experience them.
According to the Brain Injury Association of America, at least 2.8 million Americans sustain traumatic brain injuries in the United States each year. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are caused by an external force, such as a blow or jolt to the head, often occurring during sports, falls, or vehicle accidents. Non-traumatic brain injuries, on the other hand, can result from internal factors such as stroke, lack of oxygen, or illness.
The effects of a brain injury can vary tremendously from person to person, depending on the severity and location of the injury. They can range from mild symptoms that resolve in a few weeks to more severe, long-term impairments that can affect cognitive function, physical abilities, emotional regulation, and social behavior.
Brain injury and spinal CSF leak
Some people can have a spinal CSF leak occur in conjunction with a concussion or TBI. This can make it difficult to obtain an accurate diagnosis and proper treatment. Here are two stories where the correct diagnosis of spinal CSF leak was elusive due to confusion with post-concussion syndrome:
Hailey suffered a spinal CSF leak after a concussion she sustained while playing soccer at age 11. Her doctors mistook her symptoms for post-concussion syndrome, and she and her family struggled for 10 years to find the proper treatment. Read more about Hailey’s experience or watch Hailey’s story.
Nick was also diagnosed with post-concussion syndrome after falling off a horse. Nick shared their lengthy journey to a diagnosis and treatment at our Bridging the Gap conference. Read more about Nick’s experience or watch Nick’s video presentation.
Further reading:
Spinal CSF leak can be confused with or mistaken for many possible diagnoses. See our article about common misdiagnoses here.
Information about Brain Injury Awareness Month as well as general education and advocacy opportunities around brain injuries can be found at the Brain Injury Association of America website.