The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) recently released a report asserting that adults over 65 and children under 4 years old are the most vulnerable to preventable head injuries, a Newswise article reported. Chicago neurosurgeon, Gail L. Rosseau, told Newswise that, ‘Many head injuries occur at one’s residence ‘“ whether it is a home or a nursing facility ‘“ and involve falling and bumping one’s head, resulting in mild concussions to severe and even fatal TBIs.’ Rosseau is also an outspoken spokesperson for the AANS.
The Newswise article went on to report that traumatic brain injuries make up almost half of fatalities related to falling down, and in children under 4, traumatic brain injuries are the ‘primary cause of fall-related death and severe injury.’ The statistics are staggering. In 2008, over 8 million Americans endured accidental falls, many of them enduring head injuries in the process.
The AANS’s mission statement reads, ‘The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) is the organization that speaks for all of neurosurgery. The AANS is dedicated to advancing the specialty of neurological surgery in order to promote the highest quality of patient care.’ In pursuit of this mission, the AANS has collected data on the most common household products associated with falls accompanied by head injuries.
The top 5 out of 20 home-related products contributing to the highest number of head injuries listed on the Newswise article read as follows, ‘Floors or Flooring Materials: 297,961; Stairs or Steps: 137,176; Beds or Bedframes (other or not specified): 116,405; Tables (not classified elsewhere): 75,805’¨’¢Ceilings and Walls (completed structure): 68,453.’
The AANS went on to offer a list of comprehensive tips for helping to prevent falling accidents and subsequent brain injuries. Some of the most obvious of the tips included removing clutter, toys, and electrical cords from off the floor of walking areas; discarding recalled products, and using slip-resistant rugs and floor mats. Outside the home, the article suggested removing ice and snow, removing debris, and storing tools and equipment properly.
For further information, click here to visit the AANS Web site.
References:
American Association of Neurological Surgeons. (February 9, 2010) ‘Older Adults and Babies Most Vulnerable to Preventable Head Injuries Suffered at Home.’ Retrieved on February 12, 2010 from the Newswise Web site: http://www.newswise.com/articles/older-people-and-babies-most-vulnerable…
AANS. (February 12, 2010) ‘American Association of Neurological Surgeons Mission Statement.’ Retrieved on February 12, 2010 from the AANS Web site: http://aans.org/about/