OBIA (Ontario Brain Injury Association) recently released their 2012 OBIA Impact Report, which outlines some statistical updates regarding ABI and its effects on caregivers and survivors. With research and data collected from close to 600 ABI survivors and approximately 150 caregivers in Ontario the Ontario Brain Injury Survey is helping bridge a gap of knowledge regarding ABI each year. The report helps create an understanding of the symptoms and long-term consequences of ABI specifically how ABI’s are maintained, recovery issues, and a look into daily life of the survivor.
Ruth Wilcock, Executive Director at OBIA, stresses that “In order to support people living with ABI, it is imperative that we have a strong understanding of the many challenges that are associated with it.” This report is available to aid in the process of providing better data to healthcare policy makers, in turn they helping reform the current system.
Some specific points of interest from the Impact Report are:
• 15% of respondents indicated it took more than 6 months to learn about their brain injury
o 4% taking more than 5 years
• More than 75% have trouble with depression and/or anxiety
• More than 90% have trouble with concentrating, making decisions and memory
Complications of brain injury may include problems with:
• Mood swings 76%
• Dizziness 71%
• Vision 58%
• Hearing Problems 45%
• Seizures 22%
In addition OBIA would like to stress that this study would not be possible if it wasn’t for the many survivors and caregivers who offer their willingness to participate in these research surveys. Each individual counts to gain further awareness and a comprehensive understanding of ABI’s impact. Gluckstein & Associates LLP has been a long time supporter of OBIA and truly is tied to their cause. Gluckstein’s goal is to offer continued support through sponsorship and various other activities to help OBIA grow and gain continued awareness and knowledge for ABI survivors.
For a full detail of the OBIA Impact Report please visit www.obia.ca
Gluckstein & Associates:
• Visit www.gluckstein.com
• For more interesting reads visit our blog at www.glucksteinlaw.wordpress.com
• Like us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/gluckstein.lawyers
• Follow us on Twitter: @glucksteinlaw