Traumatic Brain Injury Service Helps With Patient Comebacks
When Mary Alice Snowden started her day on January 23, 2014, she had no idea her life was about to be turned upside down. Just minutes after picking up her two children from preschool, they were involved in a serious car accident.
Miraculously, her children were unharmed. Mary Alice, however, was not so fortunate. She suffered a severe brain injury. When Mary Alice woke up two weeks later, she began to understand the seriousness of her situation and the long-term care she would need.
“When I heard I was taken to the Elvis Presley Trauma Center at Regional Medical Center, I realized how bad my accident really was,” she says.
“I WASN’T SCARED, BECAUSE I KNEW I WAS IN THE RIGHT PLACE TO GET THE CARE I NEEDED.” – MARY ALICE SNOWDEN
Since 2008, the leading external causes of traumatic brain injuries are accidental falls and motor vehicle accidents. “We see about 500 cases per year,” Carolyn said. “On a typical day, I may start by assisting a concussion patient transition back to elementary school by helping teachers understand his challenges and identify ways to help him meet classroom and social success. Then I might visit a senior center to work with older groups where falling is the number-one cause of brain injury. My day may end by leading one of the many support groups we offer for patients and their families.”
“Although much has been accomplished over the years to prevent brain injuries, we can and must continue to do more,” Carolyn added.