You’d be amazed at how commonplace traumatic head injuries are. In the US alone, 1.5 million Americans are victims of head injuries and 80,000 of these patients are permanently damaged from the accident. The most common causes of brain injuries are: car accidents, bicycle or motorbike accidents, falls, sports, and acts of violence. Then number of police and medical help in our society is decreasing, so being more cautious can help with this.

What Are The Symptoms?

Be aware that symptoms may not develop fully for a few days. Loss of consciousness is an obvious indicator that the brain has suffered from an accident. But look out for headaches, fatigue, irritability, depression, memory loss, lack of concentration, nausea, balance issues, slurred speech, anxiety, clear or bloody fluids from nose or ears, weak limbs, problems sleeping, dilated pupils, and a bad taste in the mouth. These could all indicate that a traumatic head injury has taken place.

Preventing Head Injuries from Vehicle Accidents

Every year, 50,000 children are hit by cars. So it’s important that road safety is emphatically stressed to little ones.

Children under the age of 12 should always sit in the back seat on a suitable car seat and should keep seatbelts on. Never put an infant in the front seat.

Pedestrians should be aware that the night time works against them and try to wear bright, reflective clothing. Don’t keep your headphones in while you cross the street; your hearing often alerts you to speeding vehicles not yet in sight. Always look left and right twice before crossing the road.

Prevent Head Injuries from Bikes

Make sure everyone has a secure helmet that fits well and doesn’t move around on the head. Remember to always ride with traffic, not against and cycle in single file. Never forget to indicate when you plan to turn.

Prevent Head Injuries from Falls

The elderly and the very young are particularly susceptible to falls. It’s important that the elderly exercise regularly to remain strong (see your doctor first). Your home should include non-slip maps and any necessary grab bars or hand rails. Remove any obstacles that are easy to trip over. Vision examinations should be regular and you should be walking around in safe shoes.

To prevent your child from falling, don’t leave them alone in the bath or shower. Keep an eye out for slippery surfaces and make sure the stairs are free of obstacles. Be aware of any top-heavy furniture that could potentially fall.

Prevent Head Injuries from Sports

Protective gear should always be worn in sports; especially if it’s full-contact.

Prevent Head Injuries from Acts of Violence

If you find yourself the victim of a violent attack, the best thing you can do is protect your head with your arms or try your best to escape, before reporting the incident to the police. The earlier you do this, the more likely you can receive brain injury compensation.

If you suspect parents are abusing their babies or children, then report it immediately. Shaken baby syndrome can cause lifelong disability and brain damage. And the psychological scars of abuse last longer than any temporary instances of head injury.