Avoiding Traumatic Brain Injuries

A traumatic brain injury disrupts the function of the brain. This type of injury often occurs when a person is violently shaken, is hit by something, has their skull penetrated or collides with a hard surface. Traumatic brain injuries can have a devastating and possibly permanent impact on victims. However, many of these accidents are preventable. Read on to learn more about how you can help your child avoid sustaining a traumatic brain injury.

Impact of Traumatic Brain Injuries

TBIs can range from mild to severe. Some symptoms that may appear shortly after impact include:

  • A headache that doesn’t go away
  • Slurred speech
  • Feeling tired
  • Nausea
  • Blurred vision
  • Dizziness or balance problems
  • Ringing in the ears
  • Increased sensitivity to lights
  • Confusion
  • Mood changes

Parents can also look for changes in routine for younger children, such as a sudden change in sleep patterns, eating or the way the child plays. Parents should also look for signs of regression, such as the loss of toilet training after this skill was mastered.

Severe forms of TBI can cause epilepsy and increase the risk for Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and other brain disorders. Repeated TBIs can result in long-lasting physical and mental changes. In some circumstances, TBIs can be fatal.

School Sports

For minors, a major source of TBIs is school sports. There are several ways to prevent TBIs in youth sports, including by limiting the amount of full-contact practices in certain sports. Additionally, rules may be modified in some common sports to minimize the risk of TBIs. All athletes should be trained about TBIs and given good information about how to recognize and respond to them. Better equipment that protects the head and neck can also help reduce TBIs from occurring or minimizing their severity.

Home Protections

According to the New York Department of Health, falls are the most common cause of TBIs for children from birth to 14 years old. Some ways to prevent falls and other causes of TBIs in the home include:

  • Place nonslip mats in the tub
  • Keep floors uncluttered
  • Improve lighting in shadowed areas in the home
  • Remove area rugs
  • Install safety gates at the top of a flight of stairs
  • Ensure your child’s playgrounds have shock-absorbing materials on the ground

Motor Vehicle Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents are responsible for a large number of TBIs. According to the New York Department of Health, over 40 percent of children who are hospitalized by a TBI are hurt in car accidents. Driving safely can help avoid many TBIs. Always wearing a seat belt no matter how close the destination is can also help. Talking to your kids about the dangers of drinking and driving may also help curtail these injuries.

Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer

If you believe your child sustained a TBI that was caused by someone else’s negligent act, consider contacting an experienced personal injury attorney. Udall Shumway has represented injured accident victims since 1965. We can review the circumstances of your case during a confidential consultation.

 

This blog should be used for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice. If you need legal advice regarding Traumatic Brain Injuries, or any other personal injury, please feel free to contact Brian T. Allen at  480.461.5335,  log on to udallshumway.com,  or contact an attorney in your area. Udall Shumway PLC is located in Mesa, Arizona and is a full service law firm. We assist Individuals, families, businesses, schools and municipalities in Mesa and the Phoenix/East Valley.