While traumatic brain injuries are a major cause of disability and death in the US, some cases can be prevented. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are commonly caused by either a jarring bump or blow to the head or a penetrating injury to the head that affects the brain’s normal function.
The most common causes of nonfatal TBI include falls, car crashes or being struck by a hard object. Falls and suicides cause the most fatalities associated with TBI. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, side effects associated with a TBI may include, impaired memory, thinking, movement, sensations, or emotional changes, such as depression or personality changes.
How do I prevent a TBI?
- Preventing falls in older adults.
- Speak Up
- Talk openly with your healthcare provider about falls risks and prevention
- Keep Moving
- Began an exercise program to improve your leg strength and balance
- Get an annual eye exam
- Make your home safer
- Remove clutter and tripping hazards
- Learn more about older adult fall prevention
- Creating an environment for safer play in sports.
- Follow rules for fair play safety, and sportsmanship
- Avoid hits to the head
- Wear protective gear
- Learn more about sport safety
- Drive more cautiously
- Buckle up
- Stay off phone and mobile devices
- Drive Alert – never drive impaired or drowsy
- Learn more about distracted driving
Resources:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Stopping Elderly Accident’s Deaths and Injuries
- CDC Head’s Up Program
- Drive Alert Arrive Alive
Get more information
For more information about Traumatic Brain Injury please contact our Trauma Outreach and Injury Prevention Coordinator by email or by calling 770-219-1647. You may also find more information about Injury Prevention by clicking here.