Tips for Avoiding the Most Common Cause of Traumatic Brain Injury
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that nearly half of all TBI-related hospitalizations are because of falls. The vast majority of those accidents involve small children and elderly adults. Let’s look at some of the steps you can take to lessen the risk of a serious fall by a child or a senior.
Reducing the Risk of Head Injuries to Small Children
The most common situations that give rise to falls among small children are stairways, playground accidents, and falls from windows. To reduce the risk of dangerous falls among small children, the CDC recommends:
- The installation and use of safety gates on stairways
- Soft ground around a child’s swing or playset
- Guards to keep small children from climbing out a window
Protecting Senior Citizens From Fall Risks
According to the National Institutes of Health, falls account for 51% of all reported traumatic brain injuries among persons over the age of 65. To minimize the danger to an older person, start by asking a qualified medical professional to conduct a fall risk assessment. Factors that can increase the risk for falls include certain types of medications, poor vision, and loss of strength or muscle tone in the core and lower body.
There are also specific measures you can take to make your house safer for an older person:
- Install hand rails or grab bars on all stairs or where floors may become slippery, such as in the bathroom or kitchen.
- Use a non-slip mat in your shower or bathtub.
- Use nightlights in bedrooms, bathrooms, and hallways.
- Have lamps within easy reach—for example, on a nightstand next to the bed.
- Store items you use on a regular basis on lower shelves or in lower cabinets.
- Don’t use rugs unless they have a non-slip backing.
- Don’t leave unnecessary items on the floor.
- Make certain all light fixtures and light bulbs are functional.
Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have extensive experience working successfully with individuals who suffer any type of concussion or other traumatic brain injury. Call us toll-free at 1-877-487-8289 or fill out the form provided below to schedule an assessment. We offer locations across Texas, including Fort Worth, Dallas, and San Antonio.
