A brain injury is an injury to the brain that occurs after birth and is not congenital, degenerative, or hereditary. Some examples include: stroke, exposure to toxic substances, oxygen deprivation, infectious disease, and trauma. Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is an insult to the brain caused by an external physical force, such as occurs in a motor vehicle accidents, falls, assaults, sports-related injury, and proximity to explosions/blast injuries. A concussion is a mild TBI.

One of the complexities about brain injury is that no two brain injuries are alike. A brain injury may produce a diminished or altered state of consciousness, and results in an impairment of cognitive abilities or physical functioning. It can also result in the disturbance of behavioral or emotional functioning. These impairments may be either temporary or permanent and cause partial or total functional disability or psychosocial maladjustment.

The information provided on this website is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you believe you may have sustained a brain injury or are experiencing a medical emergency, please contact a qualified healthcare professional or seek immediate medical attention.

  • Resources

    Brainline

    Take an interactive journey through the brain and explore how different regions control the way we think, feel, move, and communicate. Discover how a brain injury can affect these important functions and impact daily life.

     BrainLine’s Interactive Brain

    Brain Injury Association of America

    Learn about the different types of acquired brain injury, including traumatic and non-traumatic brain injuries. Explore their causes, how they affect the brain, and the unique challenges they can create for individuals and families. Brain Injury Association of America.

     Brain Injury Association of America Website

    Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center

    Explore the basics of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and learn how an injury to the brain can affect thinking, emotions, behavior, communication, and daily activities. Gain a better understanding of the challenges individuals may face and the importance of support and recovery. Model Systems Knowledge Translation Center (MSKTC) Understanding TBI

     MSKTC Website

    Healthline

    Learn about anoxic brain injury, a serious condition that occurs when the brain is deprived of oxygen. Explore how a lack of oxygen can affect brain function, the challenges individuals may experience, and the path to recovery and support.

     Healthline Website

  • You Are Not Alone

    Brain injury is a significant public health issue affecting millions of Americans each year. Every 9 seconds, someone in the United States sustains a brain injury. More than 2 million Americans experience a traumatic brain injury (TBI) annually, over 3.6 million sustain an acquired brain injury (ABI), and an estimated 11.4 million adults live with a TBI-related disability.

    Annually, there are 2.9 million TBI-related emergency department visits in the United States. Nearly 90,000 people experience the onset of a long-term disability as a result of their injury. Brain injury can affect people of all ages and backgrounds, impacting memory, thinking, communication, mobility, behavior, and overall quality of life.

    Behind every statistic is a person, a family, and a community navigating the challenges of recovery. The Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS) is committed to ensuring that no one faces those challenges alone.

    If you or someone you know has been affected by brain injury, call the BIANYS Family Helpline at 1-800-444-6443 or contact us by email for assistance finding services, resources, and support in your area.

    For additional brain injury statistics and information, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Brain Injury Association of America, and the Center for Neuro Skills.