Brain Injury 101 by Anne McDonnell, Executive Director of Brain Injury Association of Virginia
In this brief presentation you’ll receive an informative and eye-opening education on the brain and brain injury -- that doesn’t require a degree in neuroscience.
Through a series of helpful slides and user-friendly narration, the webinar covers the anatomy and physiology of the brain, the mechanisms and effects of brain injury, what TBI and mTBI (Concussion) are and why you should know the difference, as well as vital facts, figures, and answers to frequently-asked questions.
Anne McDonnell, Executive Director of The Brain Injury Association of Virginia (BIAV), leads the webinar, drawing on 35 years of experience in brain injury rehabilitation and advocacy -- the culmination of which is presented in this comprehensive yet concise video in less than 60 minutes.
This Webinar is for You
If you have a brain or know someone who does, this webinar is for you! Concussions (mTBI) aren't reserved just for athletes and car accident victims. In fact, falls are reported as the most common cause of concussion -- and anyone can experience a fall. Recent research has revealed new and important guidelines on how mTBI is determined and managed, and this webinar offers a robust overview of brain injury that everyone should know.
Brain Injury 101 is your best source of information if you or someone you know has experienced a concussion or if you’d like to have a better understanding of mTBI/concussion. This easy-to-follow webinar presents what you need to know in a fun, didactic, and straightforward format, and is accessible to anyone who wants to know more about brain health.
Understanding TBI, mTBI, and Concussion
Serious and long-term effects are possible with any type of brain injury, and determining and defining what kind of injury can make the difference between recovery and repercussions. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is a result of significant physical impact or trauma to the brain. Typical symptoms of a concussion can, but do not always include, a loss of consciousness, nausea, amnesia, and headache. For more information on understanding myths and facts about concussions, check out this 15-minute webinar by Dr. Jeff Holloway.
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) or concussion is defined as a brain injury caused by a bump, blow, or jolt to the head or by a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce around or twist in the skull, stretching and damaging brain cells and creating chemical changes in the brain (Centers for Disease Control).
While a concussion may be considered “mild” since it is not life threatening, that doesn’t mean brain injuries don’t need to be taken seriously -- this includes concussion. The 30 days immediately after a concussion can make the difference between a full recovery versus long-term effects and complications. Don’t take chances with your brain -- this webinar will help you understand what you need to know before you need to know it.
Understanding the key differences between Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI), and concussion may sound daunting, but it’s as easy as pressing play. This webinar demystifies the complex world of brain injury and the important differences of fact and fiction around TBI and mTBI. This webinar also provides an in-depth overview of the causes and consequences of brain injury as well as information about symptoms and severity levels. You’ll also learn how and why unrecognized and untreated brain injury creates social and societal challenges, as well as the importance of broad brain injury screening efforts.
Key Concepts: Frequently Asked Questions & Answers
You’ll also understand and learn the answers to questions like:
● What is a Concussion? What is a Concussion vs mTBI? mTBI vs TBI?
● What comprises the brain and what functions does it have?
● Is there such a thing as “Right-Brained” and “Left-Brained?”
● What are the mechanisms of brain injury?
● What types of imaging are available for brain injury detection?
● What Determines the Effects of Brain Injury?
● How does a child’s stage of development affect its brain function?
● What are the symptoms, signs, and shifts that indicate brain injury?
● What are some cognitive and communication challenges after TBI?
Additional Resources Available & Continued Education
Please visit the following links for more information, tips, and tools:
● The Brain Injury Association of SC (BIASC)
● SC Brain Injury Safety Net Project
● Key Terms & Definitions to Know
● Resources for South Carolina
About the Presenter
Anne McDonnell, Executive Director of the Brain Injury Association of Virginia
Ms. McDonnell is a Certified Brain Injury Specialist Trainer and is clinical faculty in the School of Occupational Therapy at VCU. She also serves on the Virginia Brain Injury Council and is Chair of the VCU TBI Model Systems Advisory Board. Ms. McDonnell has over 35 years of experience in brain injury rehabilitation and advocacy across a continuum of hospital and community-based settings. Ms. McDonnell holds a BS in Occupational Therapy from the Medical College of Virginia, a Post-Graduate Certificate in Health Care Management from Old Dominion University, and a Masters of Public Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU).
If you found this presentation helpful and know someone who might benefit, we encourage you to like, share, and subscribe to the Brain Injury Safety Net Listserv by emailing safetynetcoordinator@biaofsc.com.
Thank you for watching. You never know, you just might be a child’s safety net.