There are two types of falls that can lead to injury – low force
injuries, or falls from short distances or being hit by soft objects, typically
have a low risk of any type of brain injury. However, injuries from car
accidents, falls from a high place, being hit by a sharp or speeding object and
abuse such as shaking can and will cause traumatic brain injury.
Brain injuries can often be prevented by being proactive with common
activities that our children are often involved with.
- Make sure that your car seats and booster
seats are installed correctly and if your child is supposed to be in one
as required by law, put them there! Each state has their own individual
laws relating to this, so be sure you’re doing it right. When they outgrow
car seats and booster seats, make sure they know the importance of wearing
the seatbelt.
- If your home has stairs, use gates to prevent
infants and young children from taking a tumble down them. Live in an apartment above the first
floor? Install window guards.
- When your children are old enough, teach them
the importance of crossing the street at crosswalks and to always look
both ways before crossing. Never let them cross the street alone.
- Sports are a common place for head injuries,
discuss sports safety with your children and make sure they have all of
the appropriate protective equipment like helmets, mouth guards and eye
protection for starters.
If your child has suffered a head injury, check for some of the more
common symptoms: scalp swelling, loss of consciousness, headache, vomiting or
seizures. If you’re unsure of whether your child needs medical attention or
not, a good rule of thumb to follow – if your child has more than a slight bump
on the head, seek medical treatment.
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