Missouri Head Injury Advisory Council

The Missouri Head Injury Advisory Council was transferred from the Office of Administration to the Department of Health and Senior Services by Executive Order of the Governor on February 2, 2005.  The council provides advice to the Department of Health and Senior Services on issues related to traumatic brain injury. The council also serves as an advisory board for the Missouri Traumatic Brain Injury Implementation Partnership Grant.

A brain injury occurs every 23 seconds in the United States. The condition is often called the silent epidemic because many people are unaware of the impact it has on those who are injured and their families.

Every year, more than 14,000 people in Missouri are taken to an emergency room or hospital with a traumatic brain injury. The actual number of people sustaining this type of injury is unknown because many do not seek treatment. Approximately 1,300 Missourians die each year as a result of a brain injury.

Traumatic brain injury is caused by a blow, jolt or other type of injury to the head that disrupts the function of the brain. Injuries to the brain most often occur as a result of motor vehicle crashes, falls, sports injuries, violence and exposure to blasts.

The effects of an injury to the brain can range from mild to severe and impact a person’s thinking, reasoning, memory, speech, physical activity, seeing, hearing, learning and other abilities. These conditions can be temporary or permanent.

No two brain injuries are alike because an injury can affect different areas of the brain in different ways. As a result, a range of services that can meet an individual’s changing needs over a period of time is necessary.