Traumatic Brain Injury: Lets talk!

Black pregnant women face unique risks and barriers when it comes to TBI. From underdiagnosis to specialist access. TBI can impact mood, memory, stress regulation, and postpartum adjustment. This month, let’s raise awareness, screen early, and ensure Black mothers receive trauma-informed, neurologically safe care. 🧠💛

Traumatic Brain Injury can affect anyone, but the risks, outcomes, and access to care are not equal. In Black pregnancy, the intersection of structural racism, medical bias, and unmet social needs can worsen both TBI prevention and recovery.

Key Points to Highlight

1. TBI Can Complicate Pregnancy

   • TBI may lead to headaches, dizziness, mood changes, memory issues, and difficulty with stress regulation — all of which may worsen during pregnancy.

   • Pregnant people with a TBI history need trauma-informed, customized perinatal mental health and obstetric care.

2. Black Women Face Higher Risk Factors

Black women are more likely to experience:

• Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a leading cause of pregnancy-related TBI.

• Car accidents are linked to unsafe transportation conditions or long commutes.

• Falls due to inadequate housing conditions.

• Delayed diagnosis because symptoms are often dismissed or minimized.

3. Signs & Symptoms to Watch For

• Persistent headaches

• Memory issues

• Light or sound sensitivity

• Emotional dysregulation

• Sudden mood changes

• Difficulty concentrating

• Sleep disruption

• Vision changes

• Balance issues

These may overlap with pregnancy symptoms, making an accurate assessment essential.

4. Barriers Black Pregnant Patients Face

• Underdiagnosis or misdiagnosis of neurological complaints

• Fewer referrals to neurology or neuropsychology

• Limited access to MRI, brain injury specialists, or rehab services

• Cultural stigma around discussing injuries, mental health, or IPV

• Stress and trauma load that can worsen TBI outcomes

5. Mental Health Connections

TBI increases risk for:

• Perinatal depression

• Anxiety

• PTSD

• Cognitive overwhelm

• Irritability or emotional sensitivity

For Black mothers, these risks are amplified by racism, medical distrust, and stigma around “being strong.”

6. What Providers Should Do (PMHNP Lens)

• Use trauma-informed communication

• Screen for TBI history during pregnancy

• Collaborate with neurology, PT/OT, and psychotherapy

• Integrate culturally-aligned coping strategies

• Monitor mood and cognition throughout pregnancy and postpartum

• Assess for IPV safely and confidentially

• Advocate for equitable imaging and specialist referral

7. Empowering Black Mothers

Educate pregnant patients to seek care if they develop:

• New or worsening headaches

• Trouble remembering things

• Sensitivity to lights/noise

• Behavioral or mood changes

• Persistent dizziness

Encourage them to document symptoms and bring an advocate to appointments.

Kesha Nelson, PhD, MSN/Ed, RN, APRN-CNP, PMHNP-BC, ADHD-CCSP

Director of Mental Health – BLACK BERRY & JUICE

The BLACK Collaborative Inc.