Heads Up! For Head Injuries

MAKE-IT-SAFE MONDAY

Head injuries (also known as traumatic brain injuries) have become one of the most dangerous and common injuries present in today’s society. Although most people generally associate head injuries directly to sports, that is not always the case. In fact, the majority of head injuries occur as a result of incidental falls, vehicle-related collisions, and accidents at home, work, and the outdoors. From a minor bump on the head, to a severe concussion, all injuries should be taken seriously in order to prevent further damage such as permanent disability, or even death.

According to The Center for Head Injury Services, there are 2 million traumatic brain injuries each year, of which 500,000 require hospital admission.  In the United States alone, 75,000 – 100,000 people die from severe head injuries each year.  The majority of the deaths come as a result of further injury to the brain without allowing proper time for it to heal. In order to prevent further injury, it is important for one to fully understand and be able to recognize the symptoms associated with common head injuries.

Symptoms commonly associated with a head injury include, but not limited to:

• Confusion: A person may act confused, not being able to remember the events leading up to the injury or right after.  They may also not be able to think clearly and appear to have a puzzled look on their face.
• Drowsiness: If the injury is serious enough, they may lose consciousness for a short period of time and be hard to wake up.  Once the person wakes up, they may be dizzy and appear to be “out of it.” 
• Nausea and Vomiting: In serious cases of head injuries, the patient will become very nauseous and be subject to vomiting.  
• Vision Changes: There will often be a “fireworks display” shown over their vision of bright flashing lights. On top of this, the vision may become clouded or severely blurry.

Although these are only a few symptoms for head injuries, they are the most common and easily to detect. It is important to know that not all head injuries can be prevented.  However, by using proper safety equipment (seat belts, helmets, hard hats, etc.) during potential activities that could cause a head injury, one will minimize their risk for injury. 

The biggest way of preventing further serious injury is to pay close attention to these symptoms. If you notice someone displaying these symptoms, or are experiencing them yourself, it is crucial to seek medical attention as soon as possible. For severe symptoms, contact 9-1-1 or your local medical provider. 

Thank you for your time and attention.  Let’s make it safe this Monday.

Kolton Larson
Demand Generation Specialist, Lift’n Buddy, a Southworth Company