Reduce risk of sustaining traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are on the rise, according to New York State Health Commissioner Dr. Nirav R. Shah, who is urging people to be cognizant of the risks to avoid becoming one of the estimated 1.4 million Americans who sustain a brain injury each year. During Brain Injury Awareness Month in March, the state Health Department and the Brain Injury Association of New York State (BIANYS) are encouraging residents to learn about brain injuries and how to prevent them. The two agencies are partners on a four-year, $1 million grant awarded by the federal Health Resources and Services Administration to improve the quality of life for those with TBIs. In recent years, weve seen a 63 percent increase in incidents leading to traumatic brain injuries with more than 140,000 of these incidents resulting in hospitalization or a trip to the emergency department, Commissioner Shah said. Prevention is vital to avoiding TBIs, and we strongly urge prompt medical treatment for anyone who suffers a head injury, including a concussion, he added. A TBI is caused by an external physical force, BIANYS states. There are many causes of brain injury, including car crashes, falls, assaults, sports-related mishaps, stroke, aneurysm, proximity to explosions, exposure to toxic substances and domestic or child abuse. DIMINISHED STATE

TBIs may produce a diminished or altered state of consciousness, and result in an impairment of cognitive abilities or physical functioning, according to BIANYS. They can also result in the disturbance of behavioral or emotional functioning, which can be temporary or permanent. Areas of impairment can include: cognition; speech-language communication; memory; attention and concentration and information processing. People are encouraged to follow simple prevention techniques to avoid a TBI, including: *Proper use of protective equipment and safe playing techniques in sports and other recreation activities. *The use of properly installed infant and child car seats and seat belts. *For seniors, eliminating trip hazards in the home, regularly reviewing medications and having an annual eye exam. *Routine exercise is especially important for older New Yorkers to help maintain or improve balance and coordination to prevent falls that may result in TBI. More information can be found at nyhealth.gov/prevention or bianys.org.

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Reduce risk of sustaining traumatic brain injury