Adults and children have something in common. They are both very susceptible to brain injury. The impact of any kind of brain injury – concussion, TBI, acquired brain injury – may have long lasting consequences.

“Brain Injury Reality Check” will provide an overview of the signs and symptoms of brain injuries with a special look at what parents need to know regarding their children’s sports activities. The presentation will be held Saturday, Oct. 20 from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Pierce County Soundview Building, 3611 S. D Street in Tacoma.

An estimated 1.7 million children and adults in the U.S. sustain a traumatic brain injury (TBI) each year. Currently more than 3.1 million children and adults in the US live with a lifelong disability as a result of TBI.

“We used to think that children were immune to severe brain injuries,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, manager of Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources. “But we now know that the effects of brain injuries may last years and perhaps even a lifetime. Brain injury is nothing to be taken lightly. Everyone, especially parents, needs to know prevention as well as the consequences.”

“Brain Injury Reality Check” is free and no RSVP is required. The presentation is co-sponsored by the Pierce County Aging & Disability Resource Center, the Brain Injury Association of Washington and Cascade Park Active Day. For more information call the Pierce County Aging & Disability resource Center at 253-798-4600.