In Victoria, Australia, a comprehensive long-term effort to reduce traumatic brain injury has seen incredible success. A new study has found that the incidence of severe TBI resulting from vehicle crashes involving occupants, bicyclists, or pedestrians has fallen significantly over the past nine years. The study examined the effects injury prevention campaigns, mass media campaigns, and increased enforcement, as well as the introduction of new collision avoidance technology.
ABC News Australia reported, “Dr. Ben Beck from Monash said they found the incidence of severe traumatic brain injury in motor vehicle occupants fell 11 per cent per year over the study period. In cyclists, the figure dropped 12 per cent per year and the incidence of brain injury for pedestrians dropped by 5 per cent.” The results were surprising, as the area concerned has seen a large increase in bicycles sharing the road in the past few years.
The Lord Giveth, and The Lord Taketh Away
The study results are encouraging; a coordinated approach to reduce the incidence of severe TBI can be extremely effective. However, the decline in severe TBI in one area is offset by an increase in another; severe TBIs from low falls in the home are increasing by 4% per year for those over the age of 65. Low falls are a pernicious problem; the factors that contribute to low falls, like medication and medical conditions, increase with age.
Low falls are particularly dangerous. While they can cause significant injury, falling from less than standing height rarely prompts anyone to seek medical attention. Unfortunately, the signs and symptoms of traumatic brain injury can take hours, days, or weeks to manifest. A TBI that isn’t apparent immediately has the potential to cause significant harm in the future.
Dr. Beck believes that the solution to the rising rate of severe TBI in seniors is the same type of comprehensive approach that worked in Victoria. He said, “What we need to do is try and work out exactly what’s causing these falls and try and target measures to try and reduce the incidence of low falls. What we need to do is have this multifaceted approach that is targeting things like exercise programs and physical activity in the elderly and improved infrastructure such as home design.”
Protect your loved one today
The problems that plague our healthcare system in this country are legion, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t be proactive. Talk to your elders about their medications and treatments. Installing handrails and making sure walk paths are clear can help, as well as padding sharp edges and removing glass furniture. If your loved one is in a nursing home, fall prevention efforts should already be in place. Your loved one should always receive a comprehensive medical evaluation after any fall, no matter how small.
If your loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury during an accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills. The experienced Nashville traumatic brain injury attorneys at Rocky McElhaney Law Firm can evaluate your case and help get you the compensation you deserve. Call 615.246.5549, visit our offices in Nashville, Gallatin, or Knoxville, or contact us today for a free consultation.
