3 Leading Causes Of Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury is considered as a major cause of disability and death. In fact, based on the studies done by the Centers for Disease Control, there are about 1.7 million people in the country who sustain traumatic brain injuries every year. The consequences can range in severity from mild concussions to permanent disability. Although the consequences of brain injury can be long-term, the cause can occur in a split second.

You have to understand that the purpose of the head, including the skull, is to provide protection for the brain against injuries. As an added protection, the brain is also covered with tough fibrous layers and soaked in fluid that provides shock absorption. Unfortunately, extreme force applied to one's head may cause the brain to be severely and directly injured. This trauma can cause internal bleeding, bruising of the brain tissue, or damage the nerves that are connected within the brain. The leading causes of traumatic brain injuries are listed below.

Traffic Accidents

Over 50% of all brain injuries in the country are caused by car accidents. This includes pedestrians, drivers, and passengers. According to the studies done by the CDC, a pedestrian is killed in traffic accident at least every hour. Most of these accidents occur because some reckless driver failed to follow traffic rules or due to improper use of seatbelts. To avoid being involved in such accidents, here are some helpful tips:

• Obey traffic rules
• Do not drink and drive
• For those who ride motorcycles and bicycles, they should wear appropriate helmet.
• Install airbags in a vehicle to provide additional protection in case of accidents.
• Infants and toddlers should always be seated in the back seat, using a seatbelt.
• Pedestrians must always stay visible. For instance, they should wear bright, reflective clothing, especially when they need to go out after dark.
• Avoid using headphones while on the road.
• Teach young ones to look left, right, and then left again before they decide to cross the street.

Slip And Fall

Another leading cause of traumatic brain injury in the country is slip and fall accidents. According to the report made by the CDC, around 600,000 or over a third of brain injuries are the result of slip and fall accidents. Falls are also the reason behind most of traumatic brain injuries among infants, toddlers, and elderly.

A lot of older people have problems with balance and other hazards, such as loose rugs, unstable furniture, and uneven floors. To prevent slip and fall accidents among senior citizens, they should:

• Perform regular exercise to maintain their strength and flexibility, but before they perform any form of exercise, they should first see their physician.
• Remove any items that can be hazardous for them. For instance, ensure that the extension cords won't trip them over.
• Use non-slip shoes
• Get routine vision tests to ensure that they can see clearly.

Falls are also the leading causes why children are rushed to the hospital. To prevent your children from falling and suffering from head injuries, you should:

• Never leave your kid unattended in places where they might easily slip and fall, such as in the bathroom.
• Use doorknob covers, stops, and door holders.
• Install window guards or place window openers in areas where they won't easily reach them
• Look for furniture which your young one can easily climb on.
• Do not allow your child to climb on shopping carts
• Use safety nets for balconies and decks.

Assault And Battery

Violent acts, such as assault and battery, are responsible for at least 10% of the reported traumatic brain injury cases in the country. Only 2.9% of toddlers and children below the age of 14 were reported injured this way, and only one percent of adults above the age of 65 suffered from brain injuries due to assault and battery.

The most prevalent causes of brain injury include shaken baby syndrome, direct blows to the head, firearms, and other weapons. If you suspect that a toddler or adult is being abused or bullied, immediately contact the local authorities.

Symptoms Of Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are the result of a direct assault to the head. The force is capable of breaking the skull and damaging the soft brain or to cause movement of the brain within the skull. Thankfully, most head injuries are preventable, and knowing the leading causes of TBI can help you take safety precautions.

Brain injuries can range from minor damage, such as bruising, lacerations, or abrasions, to fatal damage to the brain. Symptoms of this condition may start showing immediately or after a few days since the incident, some of these symptoms include

• Loss of consciousness
• Lethargy
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Ringing in the ears
• Neck pain
• Confusion, difficulty collecting thoughts, and inability to concentrate
• Loss of memory
• Balancing problems
• Bleeding nose or ears

If you or anyone you know has been involved in any incident wherein you have incurred a blow to the head, immediately seek medical attention. Although symptoms do not manifest, you must still have your head checked by a specialist to ensure that your brain hasn't incurred any injuries or damages.

Citations:

• NASA."MRI Image of Human Head". Online Image. EveryStockPhoto. April 08, 2013

Attached Images:

•  License: Royalty Free or iStock source: http://www.everystockphoto.com/photo.php?imageId=2043576&searchId=9249e082ed182bba345912915b180e92&npos=3

Kris Bennette is a writer for health and wellness websites where she specializes in traumatic brain injuries. She also advises her readers to consult with a personal injury lawyer in Sherman Oaks if they have suffered from brain injuries due to another person's negligence.