Ways to Prevent a Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic Brain Injuries are a serious and recognized health problem and a major cause of death and disability in the U.S.  Traumatic brain injuries can be classified as mild where in most cases (85%) both the signs and symptoms associated with this type of injury will go away after a couple of months.  However, there are medical reports showing that in 15% of the cases of mild traumatic brain injuries, some persons will experience everlasting and life-changing effects.  This group of TBI victims is known as the miserable minority.  Traumatic brain injury can also be moderate or severe, where the consequences can last for several months and even years.  Severe TBI cases may also result in coma or even death.

There are several studies determining the leading causes of traumatic brain injuries in the U.S., and while the percentages attributed to the causes may vary, the studies are unanimous regarding the order of causes:  1) Falling event; 2) Motor vehicle accident; 3) Struck by/against events; 4) assaults; and 5) Unknown causes.

Even though we cannot possibly anticipate and/or prevent every possible scenario or cause of traumatic brain injury (e.g. assault, unknown or unforeseeable circumstances), if we adopt the following measures we will decrease significantly the possibility of suffering a traumatic brain injury:

1. Falling Events

• Watch your step and keeping an eye on unsafe conditions such as falling objects, slippery conditions, etc.).
• Use the rails on stairways.
• For Children: Install safety gates at the top of stairway, keep stairs clear of clutter, install window guards to prevent falls, put a nonslip mat in the bathtub or shower, and/or don’t let children play on fire escapes or balconies.
• For older adults: Install handrails in bathrooms and in both sides of staircases, remove area rugs, and get regular vision checkups.

2. Motor Vehicle Accidents

• Always drive within the speed limits.
• Do not use any mobile device while driving.
• Keep your eyes on the road at all times.
• Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Always wear a seatbelt.
• A small child should always sit in the back seat of a car and be secured in child safety seats appropriate for his/her size and weight.

3. Struck by/against events

• Wear appropriate head protection while riding a bicycle, skateboards, motorcycle, etc., or when playing any type of contact sports (football, hockey, full contact sports, etc.)

4. Assaults and Unknown causes

• Always be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on dangerous or unsafe conditions.
• If possible, do not walk by yourself during night hours.
• Stay in well-lit areas and try to avoid secluded areas such as vacant lots or alleys

Even though some types of traumatic brain injuries can be treated and cured if they are diagnosed in time, the old saying “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure” is especially true in traumatic brain injury cases.  However, in the event you, a loved one, or a person you know has suffered a traumatic brain injury, we can help.  The attorneys at the Amaro Law Firm know the importance of an injured person’s proper diagnosis and treatment as part of their recovery process.  If you or a loved one has suffered a head injury and suspect that such injury may have led to either a concussion or a brain injury, contact us so that we can evaluate your case and guide you into the right direction.  Our brain injury attorneys have vast experience dealing with TBI-related cases, and will provide aggressive representation in the event your injury was caused by somebody else’s negligence.