March is Brain Injury Awareness Month
A traumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a major cause of death and disability in the United States. Those who survive TBI can face effects lasting days or the rest of their lives.
Effects of TBI can include:
- Impaired thinking or memory
- Impaired movement
- Impaired sensations such as hearing or vision
- Emotional and personality changes
The leading causes of fatal TBI are falls and suicide (CDC, 2023).
The leading causes of non-fatal TBI include:
- Falls
- Being struck by or against an object
- Motor vehicle crashes
You Can Prevent Traumatic Brain Injury
- Buckle up every ride! Wear a seat belt every time you drive or ride in a motor vehicle.
- Never drive while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
- Wear a helmet or appropriate headgear when you or your children:
- Ride a bike, motorcycle, snowmobile, scooter or use an all-terrain vehicle.
- Play a contact sport, such as football, ice hockey or boxing.
- Use in-line skates or ride a skateboard.
- Bat and run bases in baseball or softball.
- Ride a horse, ski or snowboard.
- Prevent older adult falls.
- Talk to your doctor to evaluate your risk for falling and talk with them about specific things you can do to reduce your risk for a fall.
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist to review your medications to see if any might make you dizzy or sleepy. This should include prescription medicines, over-the-counter medications, herbal supplements and vitamins.
- Have your eyes checked at least once a year and be sure to update your eyeglasses if needed.
- Do strength and balance exercises to make your legs stronger and improve your balance.
- Make your home safer.
- Make living and play 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.
- Make sure your child’s playground has soft material under it, such as hardwood mulch or sand (CDC, 2023).
For more information on Bronson Trauma Services Injury Prevention Programs, email trauma@bronsonhg.org.
