i am brain aware

In the UK, 80 – 90% of head injury presentations to Emergency Departments are classified as mild (mTBI).  It is commonly believed that almost all patients with mTBI will completely recover within the first few weeks after injury.  However, ‘mild’ is a misnomer. A significant proportion of these patients may be left with disability from cognitive, psychological and physical problems commonly known as post-concussion symptoms (PCS).

Recent studies have shown that problems persist in approximately half of mTBI patients six or more months after injury. A normal brain CT scan does not mean that complete recovery will occur; 30% of patients with normal CT scans have not returned to normal activities six months after injury.  Patients may experience relationship difficulties, increased healthcare utilisation, depression and employment difficulties.

Two main difficulties which often mean poorer outcomes for mTBI patients are:

1. Identifying patients who may require early interventions.
2. The lack of access to ongoing care; most mTBI patients do not have a formal clinical follow-up.

Dr Virginia Newcomb and her research team are looking to change this. They have funding to run a study and develop a mobile phone application (App) to help mTBI patients and remove the difficulties above. The I Am Brain Aware App will be developed with the help of patients, patient’s relatives and healthcare professionals who are involved in the care of mTBI patients.
The finished App will help patients with:

1. Self-management of Post-Concussive Symptoms (PCS)
2. Identify patients who require formal follow-up
3. Facilitate communication with healthcare professionals and/or charitable organisations.

If you have sustained a mild TBI, if you are a relative or carer of a person who has sustained a mild TBI, or if you are a healthcare professional who is involved in the treatment of patients with mild TBI, and are interested in helping us develop this App, please click follow the link below to find out more.