Stop, for a moment, and consider what life would be like with brain injury or disability. If you know someone that has impairment, you don’t have to imagine the challenges they face.

More than 5.3 million Americans, or 1 in 60, live with permanent disabilities from brain injuries. Every year, another 2.8 million will sustain a traumatic brain injury of some kind. Symptoms range from headaches to personality changes, extreme confusion, memory loss, and even seizures or paralysis. While not all injuries become disabilities, treatment in either instance is still crucial.

With continued research, funding, and public awareness, we can help those suffering from neurological disabilities and injuries receive improved care. That’s why World Brain Day matters.

Raising Awareness

The World Federation of Neurology (WFN) has chosen "Brain Health and Disability" as the theme for its 10th Annual World Brain Day on Saturday, July 22, 2023. World Brain Day calls attention to the hundreds of millions of people worldwide who experience neurological disabilities. These disorders include brain tumors, dementia, cerebrovascular disease, epilepsy, migraine and other headache disorders, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and injuries due to head trauma.

The key aims of World Brain Day are as follows:

• Prevention — Emphasizing that brain disabilities can be prevented, treated, and rehabilitated.
• Awareness — Promoting global awareness of brain health to reduce disability associated with brain disorders.
• Access — Advocating for universal access to care, treatment, rehabilitation, and assistive technology.
• Education — Recognizing the role of education in increasing equity for individuals with brain disabilities.
• Advocacy — Asserting that brain health is a human right applicable to everyone, regardless of location.

Breaking Down Barriers

Many individuals with neurological disabilities face challenges, including stigma, discrimination, and limited access to professional health care. By raising awareness about brain health and disabilities, we can promote a culture of inclusivity. Furthermore, improving care and rehabilitation resources can help create a future where optimal brain health is accessible to all.

Part of the Solution

Observations like World Brain Day serve as a platform to promote awareness and a chance for us all to learn more. By calling attention to the challenges faced by individuals with neurological disabilities, we can strive for a more equitable world.

AltaMed has doctors who speak your language providing the care you need. If you or someone you love struggles with neurological disabilities, we can connect you with specialists and other resources so you or those you care about get the help they need. Contact us at (888) 499-9303.

For more information on how to participate in this year's World Brain Day, click here.