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A Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) is an injury that affects how the brain works. TBIs can range in severity from mild TBI or concussion to a severe injure causing death or disability. Most commonly caused by a fall, sports-related injury or a motor-vehicle collision, there are a number of preventative steps you can take to reduce your risk of a TBI. During Brain Injury Awareness Month in Canada, recognized in June, remember these ways to protect yourself – and those around you – from injuring your head.

Fall Prevention

Among older adults, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths, unintentional injuries and hospital admissions for trauma. Nearly half of falls that result in an injury occur due to minor slips, trips and stumbles. Other common causes include falling when going up or down stairs and slipping on ice or snow.

Parents, caregivers and family members can take these steps to prevent their child from falling:

  • Put a safety gate at the top and bottom of stairs. Make sure the gate at the top of the stairs is bolted into the wall.
  • Always use the safety belt on your child’s stroller, high chair, shopping cart and other baby equipment.
  • Place bouncer chairs and car seats on the floor rather than on the table or counter.
  • Move furniture away from the windows, and install window safety devices.
  • Supervise your children at the playground. If your child is under five years of age, make sure you can easily reach him or her at all times.
  • Look for public playgrounds that use surfaces like sand, pea gravel, shredded bark mulch, wood chip nuggets and rubber mulch. These surfaces can reduce the risk of a serious injury from falls.

Older adults can take the following steps to reduce the risk of falling:

  • Improve your balance. Exercise for two hours each week or about 20 minutes every day.
  • Add balance exercises in addition to other physical activities. If you are just starting to exercise, talk to your doctor first.
  • Manage your medications. Have your prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs (such as pain relievers), vitamins and herbal supplements reviewed by your doctor, pharmacist or nurse once a year and when you start a new medication.
  • Take 1,000 IU vitamin D supplement every day.
  • Always wear your glasses or contact lenses as prescribed. Have your glasses and contact lenses checked by your optometrist every year.
  • Choose shoes that fit well, provide good support and traction, and have low, wide heels.
  • Identify, remove and report hazards. Remove things in your home that could cause you to trip, such as throw rugs, clutter and electrical cords.

Bike safety

With warmer weather here, many Manitobans will begin using their bicycle for transportation and exercise. In addition to being aware of your surroundings, using proper hand signals and wearing reflective gear when riding in the dark, it’s important to wear a well-fitted helmet, regardless of your age.

Worn properly, a helmet can reduce your risk of head and brain injury. To learn more about ensuring your bike helmet fits properly, watch this video

Sports Safety

Concussions can also occur when playing sports, whether competitive or recreational. Wearing the proper protective equipment, including a mouthguard where recommended, can provide some protection against head injuries and concussion. More information about concussions and sport safety can be read here on Sport Manitoba’s website.

Road safety

Nearly 50 per cent of all collision-related, severe brain injuries happen between May to September, according to Manitoba Public Insurance. Over this same five-month span, 42 per cent of concussions (less severe brain injuries) are suffered by people in collisions.

Contributing factors can include exceeding the speed limit, not wearing a seatbelt, driving while impaired or distracted, changing lanes improperly and driving while fatigued.  

Road safety is important year-round, but particularly during the summer months when road trips, including family vacations and other activities are common. Slow down, wear a seatbelt, limit distractions, and ensure you are appropriately rested before you get behind the wheel. 

Intimate Partner Violence

Among those who are exposed to intimate partner violence or domestic violence, physical injuries to the head, face and neck are the most common and can lead to a spectrum of acquired brain injuries.

How to Spot a Potential Concussion

The signs and symptoms of concussion are:

  • Sensitivity to light or noise
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Seizure or convulsion
  • Pressure in the head
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Balance problem
  • Blurred vision
  • Headache
  • Neck pain
  • Amnesia
  • Dizziness
  • More emotional / irritability
  • Nervousness or anxiety
  • Fatigue or low energy
  • Feeling “slowed down” or “in a fog”
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Difficulty remembering
  • “Don’t feel right”
  • Confusion
  • Drowsiness
  • Sadness

Concussion Recognition

The Concussion Recognition Tool 5 can help the general public to recognize when a sport-related concussion should be suspected.

Every person with a suspected concussion should undergo urgent medical assessment by a physician, nurse practitioner or physician assistant. If a concussion is suspected, the person or athlete should be referred to the nearest emergency department, urgent care centre, or primary care facility.

Children and adolescents with an acute concussion may be referred to the Pan Am Concussion Program for follow-up medical assessment and interdisciplinary management.

Pediatric concussion patients should be managed according to their respective school- or sport-specific concussion protocol. For more information on sport-specific protocols, visit the Sport Manitoba website or the athlete’s provincial sport organization’s concussion webpage where available. For more information on concussion in schools, visit the Government of Manitoba Department of Education and Early Learning concussion website.

Adults with an acute concussion should follow up with their primary care provider and may benefit from referral to other inter-disciplinary professionals. For more information on adult concussion in Manitoba, please see the Manitoba Adult Concussion Network website.

Adults or adolescents who sustain intimate partner violence-related head trauma should undergo urgent medical assessment at the nearest emergency department, urgent care centre or primary care facility when it is safe to do so. Providers who care for survivors with acute injuries (within 10 days of the assault) may consider consulting the Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program at Health Sciences Centre to offer the patient a forensic examination. Following assessment, those with intimate partner violence-related head trauma may be offered follow-up care through the Pan Am Concussion Program.

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