Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) results from a direct blow or other sharp force applied to the skull. Either a direct blow or a violent acceleration/deceleration can cause the brain to collide with the inside surface of the skull. The brain also contracts and expands, much like that of gelatin inside a tightly closed container. These forces injure the brain and have the potential to cause serious damage.
Most traumatic brain injuries are mild and are known more commonly as concussions, particularly in cases involving infants, children, and adolescents. No matter how mild, any type of traumatic brain injury or concussion has the potential of leading to brain damage. More severe cases of head trauma can result in brain bleeding, swelling, and bruising.
Recognizing a Possible Traumatic Brain Injury
The majority concussions might not be immediately obvious, but certain abnormalities exhibited by someone who just fell or was struck on the head could include one or more of the following:
- Nausea / Vomiting
- Confusion
- Sleepiness
- Loss of Consciousness
- Memory Loss
- Blurred Vision or Slurring Speech
- Trouble with Standing/Walking – Balance Difficulties
As a parent, if a child falls or hits his/her head – it is important to watch closely for any subtle signs of a concussion. If a child or anyone loses consciousness, they should be taken to the emergency room and evaluated for a traumatic brain injury. If the injury seems mild and a child is complaining of headaches or sleepiness, see a physician as soon as possible for a head injury evaluation.
Tips for Preventing Head Injuries around the Home
According to the Mayo Clinic, many of the accidents that result in traumatic brain injuries can be reduced through a few simple basic safety measures. Family members can make small changes to help reduce the probability that a child or an aging parent will experience a traumatic brain injury. Here are a few tips to help you and your family prevent traumatic brain injuries:
- To help prevent falls around the home, especially for older adults:
- Install handrails in bathrooms
- Place a nonslip mat in the bathtub or shower
- Avoid or remove area rugs
- Install handrails on both sides of staircases
- Keep stairs and walkways free of clutter
- Exercise among seniors is important. Exercises designed to improve balance and coordination, such as Tai Chi, are helpful in preventing falls.
- Helmets should also be worn by children and adults while bicycling, skating, skateboarding, skiing, and playing contact sports
- Drivers and passengers in motor vehicles are advised to wear seat belts at all times.
- Never operate a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, including prescription medications that can impair the ability to drive.
- Supervise children while swimming. Only dive into in-ground pools designed specifically for diving at the designated diving area with a depth of 9 feet or deeper.
- Making living areas safer for children:
- Install window guards to keep young children from falling out of open windows
- Use safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs when young children are around
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