A traumatic brain injury can change your life and the life of the people you love forever. Depending on the severity of the injury, some people develop amnesia, lose their ability to walk, suffer from seizures, lose all cognitive function, and the like. Worst case scenario, apart from disability, it will cause death. People should not take this kind of damage lightly because it can cause severe life-long complications that are painful and costly.
Dr Timothy Steel, a neurosurgeon, said that brain injuries had become somewhat a common occurrence in the emergency room. With the popularity of extreme sports and high-speed driving on the interstate, accidents are bound to happen. It is crucial to take care of your brain because it controls everything in your body. You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to take the necessary precautions to avoid a traumatic brain injury. Consider the suggestions below:
Exercise Care While Driving on the Road
Statistics indicate that most people endure a traumatic brain injury when they get into a car accident. Dr Timothy Steel noted that a vast number of people who get into a car wreck along the interstate had needed craniotomies to relieve brain swelling. Thus, it is vital to take extra precautions so that you will remain safe on the road. You cannot control the other drivers, but you can ensure that you always do the right thing. Always wear your seatbelt, never drive intoxicated, follow road rules, and avoid using your cell phone while driving. By following these, you minimize your chance of suffering from a traumatic brain injury. Should you ever find that you do get into an accident that wasn’t your fault, you may wish to get in touch with someone like these okc truck lawyers to help you claim compensation for any injuries you sustained as a result of the accident.
Don the Appropriate Head Protection
It is critical for you and anyone you know to take the necessary precautions to protect your brain. It is your major responsibility as a motorcycle driver to always wear your helmet. In the same token, if your sport requires a headgear, always make it a point to wear one. And it must not just be any helmet. You have to make sure that yours fit well; otherwise, you defeat its purpose. Wear your helmet correctly, so it secures your head. Whether it’s for biking, skateboarding, football, and the like, make sure you protect your skull with the right helmet size. You don’t want your skull to bear the full impact should you hit the concrete pavement. If your skull suffers a blow, this will adversely affect your brain.
Prevent Elderly Falls
According to Dr Timothy Steel, Fall-related accidents are another leading cause of traumatic brain injuries. If you have elderly parents, it is critical to review their maintenance medications every six months to verify that they are working well. You don’t want them to feel dizzy or unwell, which can lead to falling and fainting. They need an eye exam, too. If they struggle with the stairs, make provisions to ensure their safety like assigning a caregiver, ensuring the stairs are free from clutter, adding better lights, or installing a cheap elevator. A non-slip mat in the shower will also prevent accidents for all the people in your household.
Make a Safe Environment for Children
If your toddler is in the exploratory stage, make sure you have gates installed in your stairs. On top of that, consider baby proofing your windows with guards to deter your child from opening them and subsequently falling out. When you bring your older children to the playground, double-check to see if the area has soft flooring like rubber mats, mulch, or sand.
A traumatic brain injury is something that you can avoid with vigilance and proper care. If ever you do get into an accident and suffer a head injury, it is essential to seek medical attention immediately. Delays can exacerbate concussions, and if not treated promptly and properly, you risk more damage to your brain.
