Introduction
March is the month of head injury awareness as the world celebrates 20th March as the “World Head Injury Awareness Day.” Whenever you talk about a head injury, the first thing that comes to mind is a brain injury.
The world remembers 11th to 17th May as brain injury awareness week. Head injury means damage to the outer skin of the head, the tissues and bones that are underlying, and the brain covering. Whereas Traumatic brain injury is more concerning as the broken bones poke into the brain, brain hemorrhages- external as well as internal happen, the brain itself gets wounded. This article will talk about the awareness needed and how to prevent head injuries and brain injuries.
Awareness
Brain injury awareness is the first step in traumatic brain injury prevention. Without proper awareness, prevention of head injury or traumatic brain injury prevention is next to impossible. While head injuries are easier to treat, brain injuries can cause trouble to even the highest medical experts.
Young people (aged between 15-35) fall victim to head or brain injuries more than the elderly. It happens mainly because of road accidents. Sometimes, fights, falling from great heights, flying stones, or breaks can be a pivotal reason for brain injury. Brain injury awareness is extremely crucial as such injuries can lead to death.
The symptoms of such injuries can be mild or severe, as per the damage. Head injuries can result in concussions, while traumatic brain injuries can be more serious issues like a complete coma. While in a coma, the hospitals keep them in an artificial ventilatory support system to help them survive. Even with advanced medical treatments, traumatic brain injuries often lead to death. Even if they survive, they need to have a series of different surgeries to function for the rest of their lives.
Prevention of head injury or brain injury can save hundreds of families from going through a huge loss. They not only lose a beloved family member, but the psychological and economic damage they go through is unparallel.
Prevention
There’s always a chance head and brain injury can damage severely. While it is not a child’s play to reduce the chances of accidents, you can always rely on some basic rules and regulations to help in traumatic brain injury prevention.
Here are some tips you can follow on how to prevent head injuries and brain injuries.
How To Prevent Head and Brain Injuries
1] Do not drive if you are intoxicated
The study says that most of the deaths due to accidents in 2018 were because the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Alcohol, drugs, and sometimes even prescribed medicines can hamper our visual ability and concentration. Ensure you do not take the driver’s seat if you are not in your best state.
2] Seat belts-saving lives for ages
Seat belts can reduce the chance of severe injuries in a car accident by 50%. Always wear the seat belt before you start the engine.
3] Mobile phones – a big no
Mobile phones are undeniably one of the most used gadgets in our daily life. While it may be important to connect with the world, it is not more important than your safety. Make sure you do not use a mobile phone while driving and keep your full concentration on the road.
4] Use of helmets
While riding a motorcycle, helmets are a must. They can save your head and brain from getting seriously injured. Children should use a helmet too while cycling.
5] Avert falling from heights
Falling from heights is a common reason for head injuries. By being careful enough and installing better lights and handles in places like the stairs, this can be averted. This will help in the prevention of head injury.
6] Strict enforcement of Govt. law
A strict application of the Govt. laws on roads can help prevent traumatic brain injury. Traffic officials should strictly discourage high-speed vehicles and helmet-less riders. They can apply heavy fines or take serious action. The petrol pump should stop giving petrol to helmet-less riders as well.
Conclusion
While it is impossible to prevent all the accidents at all times, you can surely try to reduce them.
Prevention of head injury should be a factor one should take care of with utmost sincerity. Being a little more aware of the issue’s complexity can be highly beneficial in traumatic brain injury prevention.