BIAA Releases Statement on Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) Related to Keith Lamont Scott Shooting

Vienna, Virginia – Susan H. Connors, president and CEO of the Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA), released this statement clarifying recent media coverage of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) related to the Keith Lamont Scott shooting in Charlotte.

“Recent media coverage surrounding the Keith Lamont Scott shooting pertaining to traumatic brain injury (TBI) has varied in accuracy. It is most important to note that a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is not a mental health disorder, but is actually a misdiagnosed, misunderstood, and under-funded neurological disease.

Although no two brain injuries are alike, common effects include anxiety, depression, balance issues, and slurred speech. Substance misuse may also occur, oftentimes because of ongoing pain related to the injury. Traumatic brain injury can also result in problems with receptive language, or understanding what is being said, and individuals may have a delayed reaction to commands.

It is important that public officials and first responders throughout the country come to understand the complexities involved with brain injury.”