Fight stigma of traumatic brain injury with facts

By Kenny Stulz and Anne Greene

Since my traumatic brain injury in August of 2008, I have a desire to help others understand TBI by sharing accurate information. I believe this can help dissolve misconceptions and break down barriers that must be overcome in order to progress, be safe and proceed with life.

Everyone is at much greater risk then they may believe. Some may even be living with a traumatic brain injury and not aware of it. Many remain in a perpetual state of denial.

Perhaps they fear the stigma associated with such an injury - that they may be grouped with “those people.” Regardless, the fact remains that, according to brainandspinalcord.org, as of 2007, 5.3 million Americans suffer from TBI on some level. Education and acceptance are the first steps to confronting the cause and effect head on.

The Centers for Disease Control (cdc.gov) notes that everyday activities may endanger us in ways we don't recognize. Many times, psychiatric problems are blamed; medications are prescribed, yet problems snowball because people lack knowledge and awareness. The root problem perpetuates, causing victims and their loved ones ongoing pain and suffering.

Falls are the number one reason for traumatic brain injury in this country - 35.2 percent of all TBI cases (CDC). At 17.3 percent, motor vehicle/traffic crashes come in second and also cause the largest percentage of TBI-related deaths.

Males tend to have a much higher rate of diagnosis, at 59 percent, not to mention the astronomical number of our military people who have suffered injury while fighting for our freedom.

Yet those suffering from TBI are often prevented from pursuing a fruitful, productive future because these facts are not known.

These are the facts (CDC): Annually,

1.7 million Americans suffer traumatic brain injury. Of those, 52,000 die and 275,000 are hospitalized. The number not seen or reported is unknown.

We can all become educated, aware and safer. It may be uncomfortable to deal with. I was. It is much more uncomfortable to sit in a corner alone in the midst of those you called friends.

I wish you safety, knowledge and many blessings.

Kenny Stulz is an Illinois native who grew up in Illinois City and now resides in Cedar Rapids. His fiancee, Anne Greene, assisted with the writing of this article. Comments: kennystulz@yahoo.com. More information at http://tbimap.com, under “members.”