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.
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)
Access to this tool is password protected. For access please email brain.injury@idph.iowa.gov.
Mayo Portland Adaptability Inventory Form
Instructions for completing the Mayo Portland Adaptability Inventory Form
Iowa HHS Brain Injury Services
The Iowa HHS Brain Injury Services Program works to improve the lives of Iowans living with brain injuries by linking those individuals and their families to needed information, services, and supports as well as training service providers and other professionals on how to best work with people who have sustained a brain injury.
Iowa HHS Brain Injury Services
Brain Injury Alliance of Iowa
The mission of the Brain Injury Alliance of Iowa is to create a better future through brain injury prevention, advocacy, education, research, and support.
Encouragement. One Text at a time.
You can never have too much support. Especially when you’re facing a problem with alcohol or drug use, gambling, suicidal thoughts or mental health challenges. That’s why Your Life Iowa created our supportive text messaging program. So you can sign up to receive messages designed to provide you encouragement, no matter what you may be facing.
Not finding what you're looking for?
Want to find help on your own?
Your Life Iowa is always here to help you find resources near you. However, we understand that sometimes you’d like to look for help on your own. Our map will let you do just that.
Would you like a brain injury professional to contact you?
Fill out a simple contact form and a professional will reach out to you.
Are you, friends or family with someone who may have experienced a traumatic brain injury?
Find out how Your Life Iowa can provide support for them -- and you.