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Brain Injury

What is a brain injury?

Brain injuries are typically classified as either "acquired" or "traumatic." Acquired brain injuries describe all types of brain injuries, which can be caused by conditions such as trauma to the brain, strokes, infections, poisoning or toxic exposures, or lack of oxygen to the brain. Traumatic brain injuries can be caused by an external force such as hitting your head during a fall or car crash, from a collision with an object or another person during activities such as participating in sports or when assaulted. Concussions are a type of traumatic brain injury. Brain Injuries are not hereditary, congenital, degenerative, or caused by birth trauma.

Brain injuries are often a multi-occurring condition with mental health, substance abuse, unemployment, corrections involvement, and homelessness. Screening for brain injury is a best practice when responding to, and/or planning clinical and community based responses for clients served in health, community and corrections services. Brain injury screening tools do NOT provide a diagnosis or indicate an absence of a brain injury. They are however valid for a brief assessment for a person’s exposure to brain injury.

Neuro Resource Facilitation is a fee-free phone-based service offered by the Brain Injury Alliance of Iowa to help people with brain injury, their families, caregivers and community navigate life after a brain injury. Support is provided in a variety of forms including brain injury information and resources, enhancing natural supports, providing training to service providers and evaluating funding opportunities. Visit www.biaia.org, call 855-444-6443 or email info@biaia.org to connect today.


Behavioral Health and Brain Injury Webinar Series

The Behavioral Health (BH) & Brain Injury (BI) Webinar Series occurs on the 2nd Wednesday of each month (April 2023-September 2023) from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm via Zoom.  Click on the "Download Flyer" for more information on the webinar series and registration links and information on all sessions.

DOWNLOAD FLYER

Screening tools for providers

Access to these tools are password protected.  For access please email brain.injury@idph.iowa.gov.

Lifetime History of Brain Injury (for ages 13 and up)

Pediatric Lifetime History of Brain Injury (for ages 5-21)

 

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Additional Brain Injury Resources

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