Newswise — U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) statistics indicate that there were an estimated 1.1 million people treated in 2006 at U.S. hospital emergency rooms for head injuries related to common products found around the home. According to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), the number of actual head injuries is probably higher, since many people are treated at doctor's offices, immediate care centers, or do not seek any medical treatment.
Many of these head injuries are caused by falls. In fact, falls are the leading cause of injury-related death among Americans age 65 and older. Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI), with TBI accounting for 46 percent of fatal falls among older adults. Children age 4 and younger are also at high risk of falling. TBI is the primary cause of death and severe injury in children who suffer falls. The following are just a few of the true-life scenarios reported in 2006, from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System (NEISS), an entity within the CPSC:
"¢An 18-month-old toddler fell off a barstool at home and fractured his skull."¢A 2-year-old toddler had a television fall on her head and she was dead on arrival at the hospital."¢A 27-year-old man fell down 7-8 concrete steps in his home, injured his head, and died in the emergency room."¢A 45-year-old woman fell out of the shower, injured her head, and died in the emergency room."¢A 54-year-old woman fell down 10 stairs in his home and died from anoxic brain injury."¢A 66-year-old man fell out of his recliner chair, became unresponsive three hours later, and died from intracranial bleeding.
The following 20 home-related products represent the categories contributing to the highest number of estimated head injuries treated in 2006. These figures were tabulated utilizing the NEISS 2006 Head Injuries report:
"¢Floors or Flooring Materials: 260,983"¢Stairs or Steps: 114,752"¢Beds or Bedframes (other or not specified): 101,548"¢Tables (not classified elsewhere): 70,452"¢Ceilings and Walls (completed structure): 64,356"¢Chairs (other or not specified): 50,482"¢Cabinets, Racks, Room Dividers and Shelves: 40,014"¢Bathtubs or Showers: 34,446"¢Doors (not specified): 32,009"¢Desks, Chests, Bureaus or Buffets: 26,110"¢Sofas, Couches, Davenports, Divans: 25,227"¢Ladders (all types): 17,251"¢Toys (all toy categories combined): 14,924"¢Rugs or Carpets (not specified): 14,867"¢Porches, Balconies, Open-Sided Floors: 13,994"¢Toilets: 11,246"¢Bunk Beds: 10,778"¢Counters or Countertops: 10,683"¢Door Sills or Frames: 10,014"¢Fences or Fence Posts: 9,383
Taking a few minutes to make simple changes around the home can help prevent falls and potentially life-altering or even fatal head injuries. The AANS offers these fall/head injury prevention tips:
Inside the Home
"¢Secure loose electrical cords and put away toys and any other items that are lying around. "¢Use safety gates and install window guards."¢Buy bath mats and rugs with slip-resistant backing."¢Secure rugs and lift them periodically to inspect the backing for wear."¢Do not walk on slippery, freshly washed floors and avoid floor waxes."¢Install grab bars and handrails if you are frail or elderly."¢Improve the lighting in your home; dim lighting can increase the risk of falls."¢Install night lights in halls and bathrooms, and keep a flashlight near your bed."¢Store products in easy-to-reach places; use stepstools/ladders only when absolutely necessary."¢Check all stair railings and steps."¢Do not wear any clothing that can interfere with your vision."¢Wear proper shoes with slip-resistant soles.
Outside the Home
"¢Remove ice and snow from trafficked areas."¢Inspect and remove debris from walkways, driveways, porches, and yards."¢Inspect and remove debris from lawns before mowing or gardening."¢Store outdoor equipment properly."¢Make sure that ladders are stable and secure before using them.
The AANS has more information on injury prevention online at http://www.NeurosurgeryToday.org, under Patient Safety Tips.
Founded in 1931 as the Harvey Cushing Society, the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) is a scientific and educational association with more than 7,200 members worldwide. The AANS is dedicated to advancing the specialty of neurological surgery in order to provide the highest quality of neurosurgical care to the public. All active members of the AANS are certified by the American Board of Neurological Surgery, the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons (Neurosurgery) of Canada or the Mexican Council of Neurological Surgery, AC. Neurological surgery is the medical specialty concerned with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of disorders that affect the entire nervous system, including the spinal column, spinal cord, brain and peripheral nerves.
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