Minimizing the Risk of a Brain Injury
According to statistics, more than 2.5 million Americans seek treatment every year for a traumatic brain injury ( TBI ), and about a third of those people experience some permanent type of disability. You might think the most common cause of TBI would be motor vehicle accidents, but they’re not. Falls account for nearly half (47%) of all traumatic brain injuries, whereas car accidents factor into only 14%. Other significant causes of traumatic brain injuries include striking one’s head against an object (15%) and assault (9%). While some accidents are unavoidable, there fortunately are specific steps you can take to reduce the risk of traumatic brain injury ( TBI ).
Reducing the Potential for a Fall
According to the World Health Organization, approximately half of all serious fall injuries are sustained in the home. But there are effective measures you can implement to reduce falls in the home:
- Remove tripping hazards, such as toys, clothing, rugs, and clutter, from common pathways;
- Improve lighting throughout your home;
- Place nonslip mats where water might accumulate, such as shower, bathroom, and kitchen floors; and
- Install handrails along stairways or in bathrooms.
If you have seniors in your home, make certain they get regular exercise in order to maintain good balance, and have their vision checked on a regular basis.
Minimizing the Risk of Traumatic Brain Injury ( TBI ) in a Car Accident
The primary cause of motor vehicle accidents is distracted driving. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that talking on a cell phone while driving makes you four times as likely to be involved in a serious car crash. Studies also show that seat belts can reduce the risk of head trauma by up to 50%.
Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have extensive experience working successfully with individuals who have suffered a traumatic brain injury ( TBI ). 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.
