Traumatic Brain Injury Prevention
A traumatic brain injury (TBI) is defined as a blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. TBI can result when the head suddenly and violently hits an object, or when an object pierces the skull and enters brain tissue. Symptoms of a TBI can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of damage to the brain.
There are many ways to reduce the chances of a concussion or other form of TBI, including:
Wearing a seat belt every time you drive or ride in a motor vehicle.
Buckling your child in the car using a child safety seat, booster seat, or seat belt (according to the child's height, weight, and age).
• Children should start using a booster seat when they outgrow their child safety seats (usually when they weigh about 40 pounds). They should continue to ride in a booster seat until the lap/shoulder belts in the car fit properly, typically when they are 4’9” tall.1
Never driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.Wearing a helmet and making sure your children wear helmets when:
• Riding a bike, motorcycle, snowmobile, scooter, or ATV;
• Playing a contact sport: football, ice hockey, or boxing;
• Using in-line skates or riding a skateboard;
• Batting and running bases in baseball or softball;
• Riding a horse; or
• Skiing or snowboarding.
Making living areas safer for seniors, by: • Playing a contact sport: football, ice hockey, or boxing;
• Using in-line skates or riding a skateboard;
• Batting and running bases in baseball or softball;
• Riding a horse; or
• Skiing or snowboarding.
• Removing tripping hazards such as throw rugs and clutter in walkways;
• Using nonslip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors; Installing grab bars next to the toilet and in the tub or shower;
• Installing handrails on both sides of stairways;
• Improving lighting throughout the home; and
• Maintaining a regular physical activity program, if your doctor agrees, to improve lower body strength and balance.2,3,4
Making living areas safer for children, by: • Using nonslip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors; Installing grab bars next to the toilet and in the tub or shower;
• Installing handrails on both sides of stairways;
• Improving lighting throughout the home; and
• Maintaining a regular physical activity program, if your doctor agrees, to improve lower body strength and balance.2,3,4
• Installing window guards to keep young children from falling out of open windows; and
• Using safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs when young children are around.
• Making sure the surface on your child's playground is made of shock-absorbing material, such as hardwood mulch or sand.5
• Using safety gates at the top and bottom of stairs when young children are around.
• Making sure the surface on your child's playground is made of shock-absorbing material, such as hardwood mulch or sand.5
References
1.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Warning on interaction between air bags and rear-facing child restraints. Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report MMWR 1993;42(No.14):20–22.
2.Judge JO, Lindsey C, Underwood M, Winsemius D. Balance improvements in older women: effects of exercise training. Physical Therapy 1993;73(4):254–265.
3.Lord SR, Caplan GA, Ward JA. Balance, reaction time, and muscle strength in exercising older women: a pilot study. Archives of Physical and Medical Rehabilitation 1993;74(8):837–839.
4.Campbell AJ, Robertson MC, Gardner MM, Norton RN, Buchner DM. Falls prevention over 2 years: a randomized controlled trial in women 80 years and older. Age and Aging 1999;28:513–518.
5.Mack MG, Sacks JJ, Thompson D. Testing the impact attenuation of loose fill playground surfaces. Injury Prevention 2000;6:141–144.
2.Judge JO, Lindsey C, Underwood M, Winsemius D. Balance improvements in older women: effects of exercise training. Physical Therapy 1993;73(4):254–265.
3.Lord SR, Caplan GA, Ward JA. Balance, reaction time, and muscle strength in exercising older women: a pilot study. Archives of Physical and Medical Rehabilitation 1993;74(8):837–839.
4.Campbell AJ, Robertson MC, Gardner MM, Norton RN, Buchner DM. Falls prevention over 2 years: a randomized controlled trial in women 80 years and older. Age and Aging 1999;28:513–518.
5.Mack MG, Sacks JJ, Thompson D. Testing the impact attenuation of loose fill playground surfaces. Injury Prevention 2000;6:141–144.
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