BIAA Condemns Attack in Uvalde, Texas; Notes Firearms a Deadly Source of Brain Injury in America

Fairfax, Va. – The Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) condemns the tragic shooting in Uvalde, Texas on May 24. The violent attack inside of a school building left 19 children and two teachers dead and others wounded by gunfire. BIAA mourns these losses and injuries.

Although concussion and falls are more prevalent, firearms are a notably fatal source of brain injury. Firearm-related suicide is the most common cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI)-related deaths in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Sustaining a brain injury from any source can be life-altering and devastating,” said Susan H. Connors, BIAA president and CEO. “When the injury is the result of a firearm, the outcome is all the more uncertain. Gunfire is designed to destroy, which is why there are fewer survivors of firearm-related TBIs than other types of TBIs.”

Learn more about firearm-related brain injury:

• Short video about an individual with a brain injury resultant from a gunshot
• Unintentional vs. Intentional Brain Injury: Helping People Cope with the Cause of their Brain Injury
• Research Studies:
  • Outcomes from Firearm Related Brain Injuries
  • Blunt Force Trauma versus Firearm Related Brain Injury
  • Intentional Traumatic Brain Injury: Causes, Risk Factors, and Injury Severity
  • Characteristics and Outcomes of Persons with Severe Firearm Related Brain Injuries
  • Violence-Related Penetrating Traumatic Brain Injury Associated with Increased Medical Complications

If you or a loved one has sustained a brain injury as a result of gun violence, the compassionate, knowledgeable specialists at National Brain Injury Information Center can offer information and assistance in locating support services. Call now at 1-800-444-6443.

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About the Brain Injury Association of America:

The Brain Injury Association of America is the country’s oldest and largest nationwide brain injury advocacy organization. Our mission is to advance awareness, research, treatment, and education and to improve the quality of life for all people affected by brain injury. We are dedicated to increasing access to quality health care and raising awareness and understanding of brain injury.