fongbeerredhot at Shutterstock

Falls and accidents are some of the major causes of head injuries, especially in children and older adults. However, you can lower the risk of suffering a serious head injury and ensure head safety in your routine life by taking a few simple measures.

Buckle Up for Brain Safety

Always Wear Your Seat Belt — Seat belts work to restrain an unintended forward movement during a collision or abrupt braking. Also, your car’s airbags work along with seat belts to keep you in place. Not wearing a seat belt renders this safety system ineffective. Furthermore, clicking it will also keep you from receiving a ticket!

Never Drive Under the Influence — Drug or alcohol intoxication is dangerous for you and fellow passengers, as well as others who share the road with you. It can impair your driving skills by slowing down the reaction time and undermining cognitive functions.

Don’t Text or Use Your Cell While Driving — Using mobile phones while driving is not only an offense but also a dangerous distraction. The NHTSA reported that it had claimed 3,166 lives in road accidents in 2017 alone. Distracted driving can lead to accidents, increasing the risk of incurring brain injuries or worse, death. So avoid taking calls or texting when you are at the wheel.

Protect Your Head With a Helmet

Motorists riding a two-wheeled vehicle must protect their head with a helmet. Always choose a helmet that bears the prescribed safety rating. Make sure that the one you choose is approved for safety by DOT, ECE or SNELL (predominantly for racing).

A poorly-fitted helmet can be worse than no helmet at all. Hence, make sure that your helmet sits squarely on your head (not too loose to have gaps) and doesn’t tilt backward. Its cheek pads should be pressed against your cheeks comfortably, and the brow pads should be positioned on your temples with no gaps in between. In full-face helmets, the face shield shouldn’t touch your nose, except due to wind pressure while riding.

Head Safety Tips for Kids

• Encourage your child to wear a helmet while driving, riding a horse or a bike, sledding, skiing, snowboarding, skateboarding and other sports.
• Depending on your kid’s age, use a booster or safety seat that fits him/her properly, and ensure that your child is buckled in properly. Also, keep up with the seat’s regular maintenance at a licensed inspection station only.
• Never drive with your child when you are intoxicated or feeling tired.
• Use non-slip mats in the bathroom and make other necessary improvements in your home to prevent falls.

Post-concussion or post-concussive syndrome is typically associated with a head injury. It refers to the lingering symptoms of a concussion or a mild traumatic brain injury. While post-concussive syndrome is rare after only one concussion, it is common in patients who have a history of multiple concussions or mild head injuries.

Usually, symptoms of a concussion last only for a couple of weeks. If the symptoms do not seem to be getting better and persist for a duration longer than normal, you should consult your doctor about post-concussive syndrome.

What Are the Symptoms of Post-Concussion Syndrome?

The symptoms of post-concussive syndrome vary from person to person. They are often vague and non-specific. Some commonly reported symptoms include –

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Anxiety
• Irritability
• Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Ringing in the Ears
• Loss of Concentration and Memory
• Blurry Vision
• Noise and Light Sensitivity
• Decrease in Taste and Smell
• Depressed Mood
• Concentration Problems
• Personality Changes

What Are the Causes of Post-Concussion Symptoms?

Post-concussion syndrome follows the occurrence of an injury or trauma to the head. Research suggests that the cause of post-concussion symptoms is related to the damage to the white matter in the brain. White matter can be described as the tissue in the brain that comprises of nerve fibers. Damage to this tissue hampers pathways between the brain and the rest of the body.

Some experts believe that post-concussive syndrome is caused by structural damage to the brain. Due to the impact of the concussion on the brain, the messaging system within the nerves gets disrupted. On the other hand, some experts believe that the syndrome is related to psychological factors. This is attributed to the fact that most common symptoms, such as headaches, insomnia and dizziness, are similar to those experienced by people who are often diagnosed with anxiety, depression or post-traumatic stress disorder.

It is still not determined as to why some people who have had concussions develop persistent post-concussion symptoms while others do not. In addition to this, there is no proof to suggest that there is a connection between the severity of the injury and the likelihood of developing persistent post-concussion symptoms.

Some research shows that people who have a history of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, poor social support systems, significant life stressors or lack of coping skills have a higher chance of developing post-concussive syndrome in comparison to those who do not.

There are also certain risk factors for developing a post-concussive syndrome. Studies prove that increasing age is a risk factor. In addition to this, women, too, are more likely to be diagnosed with post-concussive syndrome than men. Athletes and military servants are also more at risk for post-concussive syndrome as they have a higher risk of sustaining a concussion or a brain injury.

Concussion, also known as a Mild Traumatic Brain Injury (MTBI), is temporary unconsciousness or confusion that is often caused by a blow to the head. Most children with a concussion begin to feel better within a couple of weeks. On the other hand, symptoms for some will last a month or longer. Some signs of a concussion include nausea, vomiting, constant headache or ‘pressure’ in the head and a feeling of dizziness.

What Can You Do to Help Your Child Feel Better After a Concussion?

While children and teenagers usually recover from a concussion within a couple of weeks, it is important to remember that each child is unique and may respond differently after having sustained a concussion. Making short-term changes to your child’s daily activities helps him in getting back to a routine more quickly.

Use your child’s symptoms to guide you during the recovery process. If the symptoms seem to worsen during any activity, try slowing down the process. Since each child is different, the recovery process should be customized according to your child’s symptoms and response to day to day activities.

Concussion Recovery Tips

• Rest

Rest is imperative for the first few days after your child has sustained a concussion. This prevents the symptoms from getting worse. Have your young one relax at home and get enough sleep. Avoid stressful activities such as playing sports, watching excessive television, using mobile phones for longer durations, playing video games or consuming caffeine in great quantities. Make sure not to let your teen drive as well.

• Light Activity

After a few days, as your child begins to feel better, you can gradually introduce non-strenuous activities in his schedule. You can let your kid go for short walks, or even try sending him to school. However, you must avoid activities such as playing sports or listening to loud music. If symptoms worsen during any of the non-strenuous activities, cut back and let your child rest. Maintain a proper sleeping schedule to ensure your child gets ample sleep.

• Increasing Activity Levels

When symptoms are nearly gone, you can let your child get back to most of his regular activities. He can return to a regular school schedule, including school work. If you have a teen, he can start driving like before. Television and other screen time may not be restricted strictly as well. However, you still must avoid activities such as sports that may cause another head injury. If your child’s symptoms worsen with any activity, slow down the process.

• When to Return to Regular Activities

When all the symptoms of the concussion are gone, your child can return to all of his or her regular activities. For sports, you must get in touch with your doctor to seek approval.

If Your Child Has Sustained a Concussion, Get in Touch With TryMunity. Call Us at (844) 838-2900 for Support.

Getting injured is a common occurrence, but head injuries are not always harmless. Many cases related to death and disability in the United States occur due to head injuries. Since there is a risk of developing complications, medical professionals suggest that a head injury must always be taken seriously.

What Is a Head Injury?

A head injury is an all-encompassing term for any sort of trauma that arises due to an injury that affects the scalp, skull or brain. The injury can range from a seemingly harmless bump to a deep cut, open wound or traumatic brain injury (TBI). Depending on the severity of the injury and what caused it, the repercussions and the course of treatment can vary greatly.

Causes of a Head Injury

Typically, a head injury can occur due to either a serious blow to the head or shaking. Infants and small children are more prone to head injuries due to shaking, but adults are also at risk when they experience high-intensity shaking.

Head injuries inflicted from an external blow to the head can result from events such as road accidents, trips and falls, physical assault or sports-related accidents. The strong structure of the skull can usually shield your brain from any harm, but an intense blow can damage the skull and affect the brain.

Symptoms of a Serious Head Injury

Since head injuries can be internal or external, the seriousness of a head injury is not comprehensible just by looking. An injured person can experience excessive bleeding even in a minor head injury, whereas the most threatening head injuries may not show any signs of external bleeding. However, not all head injuries bleed. Complications may also arise either immediately or in due course after a head injury.

It is important to watch out for symptoms that may arise after a head injury. Some telltale signs of a minor head injury are:

• Headache
• Lightheadedness
• Dizziness or spinning sensation
• Confusion or weakened cognitive functions
• Nausea
• Ringing in the ear

Some of the symptoms that are associated with serious head injuries are the same as the ones associated with a minor head injury. However, other symptoms include:

• A loss of consciousness, either immediately or sometime after a head injury
• Seizures
• Vomiting
• Inability to maintain balance or muscle coordination
• A feeling of disorientation, confusion, and other neuropsychological problems
• Difficulty in focusing the eyes
• Impaired eye movements
• Severe headaches
• Loss of memory
• Frequent mood swings
• Ringing in the ear or discharge of fluid from the ear or nose
• Loss of taste or smell
• Sensitivity to sound, light or any other element

Children or young babies are also prone to complications such as a concussion after a head injury. The symptoms include:

• Excessive crying
• Loss of interest in their favorite activities or any behavioral changes
• Vomiting
• Balance problems
• Sensitivity to light or noise
• Change in sleep patterns
• Difficulty sleeping

Have you or a loved one recently suffered a head injury? Turn to our dedicated members of TriMunity for inspiration and support. We will use our resources and knowledge to help you move forward in life. Call us at (844) 838-2900.

The brain is the human body’s most important organ. It controls vital functions such as speech, memory and limb movement. Brain injuries can occur due to various factors. Sudden onset of a brain injury may be caused by trauma, lack of oxygen supply to the brain or an infection. Insidious onset of brain injury may be caused by tumors, degenerative neurological diseases or prolonged substance or alcohol abuse.

Two of the most common brain injuries are traumatic brain injury (TBI) and acquired brain injury (ABI).

Difference Between TBI and ABI

Traumatic Brain Injury

A TBI occurs when an external force injures the brain, such as a jolt or blow to the head. However, TBI is not synonymous with a head injury, as one can sustain damage to the scalp, face or skull without injuring the brain. Assaults, falls, sports injuries, motorcycle or car crashes and collisions are a few of the many common causes of TBI.

Traumatic brain injuries range from mild concussions to severe or even permanent brain damage. Survivors of TBI can face lasting effects in their physical and mental abilities as well as impaired emotions and personality. There may also be a need for rehabilitation to recover and relearn skills.

How a TBI is treated depends on the severity of the injury. A range of tests such as a CT scan or an X-ray can help pinpoint the exact area of damage. Some cases may even require complex surgeries.

Recovery from a TBI takes time. It depends on various factors, such as the extent of the damage, the area where the damage has occurred, age and general health of the person, quality of treatment and the first aid received.

Acquired Brain Injury

As the name suggests, an ABI is an injury to the brain that has occurred after birth. It is not hereditary, induced by birth trauma, congenital or degenerative. ABI can be caused by diseases such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s or AIDS. Other causes include substance or alcohol abuse, physical injury, stroke and lack of oxygen to the brain.

The effects of an ABI will be different for each person, ranging from mild to severe. It affects a person’s sensory and physical abilities, increases mental and physical fatigue and may also slow down how fast they process information. Many people suffering from an ABI also experience behavior and personality changes.

ABI impacts all aspects of one’s life, as it often leads to social isolation. People who have suffered from an ABI need patience, compassion and understanding above all. Counseling is one of the most helpful ways for the patient and the patient’s family to battle an ABI.

A brain injury takes a toll on both the patient and the patient’s family. Reaching out to support groups and counselors can be useful as they help you navigate your way through the injury, provide professional support and enable patients to become a part of a social community.

If you or your loved one has recently sustained a brain injury, we invite you to join the TryMunity community. Contact the TryMunity community today and discover a supportive environment that has the answers to your most pressing brain injury questions.

Did you know that by following a healthy diet you can actually help your brain heal? By including or excluding certain foods as part of your healthy lifestyle, you can help maximize the possibility that you’ll have a healthy brain for many years to come. Here’s a quick look at some of the best foods to include in your diet to improve your brain health.

You know that a balanced diet is part of a healthy lifestyle, but did you know that it can reduce the risk of stroke, type 2 diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease? Though the brain only represents 2% of your adult weight, it uses 20% of your body’s energy. Insufficient energy can result in fatigue, concentration issues and memory problems.

Generally, you want to get five portions of fruits and vegetables, protein from oily fish, eggs and meat, healthy complex carbohydrates such as whole grains, and limited amounts of salt, sugar and alcohol. The brain gets energy from the glucose in carbohydrates, with complex carbohydrates releasing that energy slowly and in a stable fashion over a longer time period than simple sugars.

A fifth of your brain’s dry weight is fat from omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Because these compounds are not produced in the body, they have to be found in your diet, with omega-6 fats coming from poultry, avocado, eggs and nuts and omega-3 fats coming from walnuts, oily fish such as salmon and seeds such as flaxseed. At the same time, trans fats should be avoided because of their action in stopping essential fatty acids from working effectively.

Amino acids, which are the building blocks of proteins, are also the basis for neurotransmitters, the brain’s regulators for mood and energy, including your natural sleep cycle. The B-vitamins folate and B-12 support healthy nervous system function and a deficit of these nutrients lead to memory issues, fatigue, numbness in the extremities, muscle weakness, psychological issues and mouth ulcers. Superfoods, such as deep-colored fruits, vegetables and berries tend to prevent disease through high antioxidant levels, as do dark chocolate, green tea and polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats. Using extra virgin olive oil in place of other oils has been proven to lower ischemic stroke, Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive issues.

Though what you eat is important, when you eat is equally important. Though it can be very tempting to skip meals when you’re busy, regular meals help you keep a steady energy level. If you’re not in a position to always eat on time, at least eat a healthy breakfast to improve concentration and mental performance during your daytime activities.

By maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet, including brain food, you can minimize your risk for a wide range of neurological issues and diseases. Take a few minutes today to determine what habits and foods you can swap out to make the transition easier, then discover how wonderful having a healthy brain is.

When your teen has had a head injury, talk of a concussion may be mentioned. But what exactly is a concussion, what are the symptoms and how should treatment proceed? Are there any sports risks or preventable measures that can be taken to lower your teen’s risk of a concussion? Here’s a quick look at the basics you need to know about this health issue.

How to Know if Your Teen Has a Concussion

A concussion is a mild TBI, or traumatic brain injury, which takes place when the patient suffers a blow to the head or has an injury that makes their head move back and forth with a great deal of force. It can cause changes in brain chemistry and damage to the brain cells themselves. Typically, teens who follow their doctor’s recommendations recover within a few weeks.

Symptoms of a concussion can include losing consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion, blurred or double vision, problems answering questions, nausea or vomiting, slurring of speech, memory issues, problems with concentration, sleep issues, mood changes or generally not feeling well. If these issues become worse or your teen suffers a seizure or loss of consciousness, it’s important to immediately seek medical attention. Concussion symptoms typically happen immediately, but their onset may be delayed by hours or even days.

A concussion occurs when the brain is either injured directly or from it impacting the inside of the skull. This causes a change of signals between nervous tissues, which in turn causes concussion symptoms to appear. There are risks in contact sports, but having appropriate protective gear and following other preventative measures can help reduce the risk of concussion. However, concussions can also result from falls, car or bicycle accidents, fights and similar incidents.

Concussions often do not show up on MRIs or CT scans. However, this type of imaging may be used if the patient has lost consciousness, had a severe headache or one that continued to worsen, had continued vomiting or had a serious accident or injury. Many coaches and athletic trainers are able to provide sideline concussion testing to determine if the athlete should immediately seek medical care.

Concussions heal at their own rate, but generally, patients are told to cut back on physical activity or activities that require serious concentration. The patient can participate in activities while still symptomatic, but if the symptoms interfere with that activity, they should try a less strenuous version of that activity or try again after a short break.

It’s very important that teens follow their doctor’s instructions with regards to rest, activity level and returning to sports. Failing to do so, especially if the teen returns to play before they are fully healed, can result in second-impact syndrome, which in turn may lead to permanent brain damage. It’s important to seek medical advice if you suspect that your teen’s injury may have caused a concussion, especially if they have a headache that doesn’t improve or worsens.

Every year, the lives of millions of people change due to brain injuries. Each year, 1.7 million people and their families have to adjust to the aftermath of an unexpected accident that caused a brain injury. While many survivors will fully recover, there are currently an estimated 5 million people who are living with lifelong disabilities as a direct result of their brain injuries. A ray of hope in this seemingly hopeless situation is that there are several steps that the survivors and their family members can take in order to better cope with lifelong disabilities after a brain injury.

Family Members Should Remember That Each Case Is Unique

There is an old saying – “you can’t compare apples to oranges.” As simple as this logic is, it can also be applied to brain injuries. Much like comparing apples to oranges, you can’t compare brain injuries. In fact, no two brain injuries are exactly the same. This fact must be remembered as you adjust to the unexpected life changes that are associated with this serious injury.

Medical research and a supportive online community of survivors and families will be your helpline as you try to understand your specific case or the case of a family member. The online community will listen to and answer your questions, share their stories, and give you the insights that you need to better navigate these confusing waters. With the help of the TryMunity community, you can receive the support and knowledgeable insights that you need to begin healing, and coping with the aftermath of the traumatic event.

Brain Injury Survivors Must Hold onto Hope

Survivors might want to give in to depression or feelings of complete and overwhelming despair. The role of family members should be to provide support as survivors learn to turn away from depression and hold onto hope. Surviving a brain injury is possible with the support of family, friends, and a trusted online community of individuals who have also suffered from brain injuries. Survivors can hold onto hope by celebrating small daily achievements. Whether it is relearning how to write, passing new memory tests, or finding the joy in a beautiful sunrise, every little victory helps. There are numerous little things that can help survivors discover the hope of a new day in the aftermath of their injury.

There Is Hope for Caregivers, Family Members, And Survivors at TryMunity

At TryMunity, we believe in spreading hope to brain injury survivors, their caregivers, and their families. Our supportive online community provides the insights, resources, and the space needed to create a sense of belonging after a traumatic accident.

As you and your loved ones begin their rehabilitation journeys, we invite you to join the TryMunity community. Contact the TryMunity community today and discover a supportive environment that has the answers to your most pressing brain injury questions.