Homelessness – Are Brain Injuries to Blame?

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) — including mild ones — can dramatically alter a person’s personality, negatively affecting memory, mood and aggression levels. One population with many brain-related behavioral problems is the homeless. So, does that mean that many of them have had a TBI?
YES, says a St. Michael’s (Canada) Hospital study.

What They Found

The researchers found that out of 111 homeless men studied: almost half of them had suffered at least one TBI episode in their life, and 87% of these took place before they became homeless.

When asked what type of head injury had been sustained:

• 66% reported at least one from assault
• 44% reported at least one from sports or another recreational activity
• 42% reported at least one from motor vehicle collision
• 42% reported at least one from a fall

Furthermore, a positive TBI screening result was significantly associated with a lifetime history of arrest or mental illness and a parental history of substance abuse. Findings from a separate study done at St. Michael’s Hospital Centre for Research on Inner City Health underscored the TBI-homeless link, showing that as much as 61% of those who are homeless or “vulnerably housed” have suffered a TBI, a figure seven times higher than the general population.

So, what can be done to heal a traumatic brain injury that has already occurred?

• Rest and rejuvenate with at least 7-8 hours of sleep each night.
• Refrain from using alcohol and drugs.
• Eat LOTS of colorful fruits and vegetables, which contain cell-supportive antioxidants and critical nutrients.
• PROTECT and LOVE your brain — do all that you can to prevent more brain injuries in the future.

How Can Brain SPECT Imaging Help?

• Help identify if there has been brain trauma
• Show brain blood flow deficits NOT visible in anatomical studies, such as CT or MRI
• Identify affected brain systems
• Help determine if there could be co-occurring conditions that need treatment
• Increase treatment compliance by showing pictures of results
• Provide scientific documentation that may help with special services or legal issues

Imaging Changes Everything

At Amen Clinics, we want to help you and your loved ones heal brain injuries before they affect your life. Call us today at 1-888-288-9834 or tell us more to schedule an appointment.