Helpful Tips To Prevent Traumatic Brain Injury

An estimated 1.7 people suffer from a traumatic brain injury each year in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). And, of those, 52,000 will die. But there are precautions you can take to reduce your risk and they are listed below.

A TBI is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. Not all blows or jolts to the head result in a TBI. The severity of a TBI may range from “mild,” i.e., a brief change in mental status or consciousness to “severe,” i.e., an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury. (Source: CDC)

Preventing Falls

According to the CDC 35.2 percent of all traumatic brain injury cases result from falls. That number increases to 50 percent in children ages 0 to 14 and to 61 percent in adults older than 65 years of age. There are several steps you can take to help avoid falls.

For instance, window guards and safety gates at the stairs are a good place to start for young children. For the elderly, installing handrails on the stairways, using nonslip mats in the bathroom and good lighting will help to prevent more trips and falls in the home.

Vehicle-Related Traumatic Brain Injury

Car accidents make up for 17.3 percent of traumatic brain injury cases. To reduce your risk of sustaining a head injury, you should always wear your seatbelt when in a motor vehicle. If you have a child, he/she should always be secured in a proper child seat.

Helmets

While it is not required in all states, the N.Y. State Department of Health suggests wearing a helmet to lessen the risk of sustaining a traumatic brain injury while riding a bicycle, skating, skiing, playing football or riding a motorcycle.