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Tait Fletcher: Unraveling the Silent Epidemic of Traumatic Brain Injury

Written by: Jeff Gould | Posted on: | Category: Podcast | Tait Fletcher

In this episode of "Living with TBI," I sit down with my co-host Mark Goode and our special guest, Tait Fletcher. We talk about Tait’s experiences with TBI and his journey to recovery.

Tait Fletcher, a Hollywood stuntman and actor known for his roles in "Jumanji," "The Mandalorian," and "Breaking Bad," opens up about his own experiences with TBI. His story is harrowing yet inspiring, shedding light on the struggles many face but rarely speak about. I was particularly struck by his recounting of a time when he couldn’t remember basic details about a film he had just watched. How do you cope when your most basic memories start to slip away? His candid discussion about the treatments he’s tried, from hyperbaric chambers to off-market medications, is eye-opening.

We also delve into the broader implications of TBI beyond Hollywood. Traumatic brain injuries don’t just affect athletes and stuntmen; they seep into every corner of society. I share some astonishing statistics on the prevalence of TBI among adolescents entering substance abuse treatment. Surprisingly, many people who have suffered a TBI don’t even realize it until years later. How many of us might be walking around with unresolved brain injuries? This extends not only to those in substance abuse programs but also to the wider population, highlighting the silent epidemic we’re dealing with.

As we wrap up, we touch on how crucial it is to have specialized treatment centers for those with TBI and substance abuse issues—a resource that is severely lacking in the United States. Every setback faced by Tait and countless others underscores the need for better awareness and medical support. Could this be the missing piece in our healthcare system? To understand the full scope of their journey and challenges, listen to the full podcast.

Takeaways:

  1. TBI is a silent epidemic affecting not just athletes and veterans, but also a significant portion of society.
  2. Many people do not realize they have suffered a TBI until years later, often misattributing symptoms to other causes.
  3. Specialized treatment centers for those with TBI and substance abuse issues are sorely lacking and desperately needed.
  4. Awareness, early diagnosis, and innovative treatments are crucial in managing and recovering from TBI.

You can listen to this episode here.