Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability among children 15 and younger, with non-fatal TBI potentially resulting in lasting social and cognitive consequences. According to a recent study, nearly three in four cases of non-fatal TBI in children are associated with a consumer product. It is therefore important for parents, caregivers, coaches, and teachers to be aware of the risks and take steps to prevent these types of injuries.
A recent study examined emergency department visits for consumer product-related TBI in children aged 5 to 18 years between 2000 and 2019. The study found that the rate of emergency department visits for consumer product related TBI (CP-TBI) increased from 4.5 percent in 2000 to 12.3 percent in 2019, indicating that public danger from TBI still persists. It is essential to raise awareness and implement public policies and prevention programs targeted towards CP-TBI.
What can be done to create a safe environment for children?
At Home:
- Remove environmental hazards: Falls account for 1 in 5 TBI cases. Children are more prone to falls than adults. Uneven flooring, area rugs, and open windows can be potential hazards that cause falls. Installing home-safety devices such as handrails, stair gates, and non-slip mats can prevent falls in homes.
- Manage home furnishings and fixtures: Furniture-related injuries are a significant cause of TBI among children under the age of four. Bunk beds and high beds can be especially dangerous. Monitoring young children and providing them with appropriate furnishing and shorter beds may help limit falls.
- Secure home appliances and furniture: Children may get injured by falling household appliances such as TVs and dressers. Ensuring that the appliances are appropriately secured can prevent such injuries. Shorter beds and furnishing may be helpful for limiting falls.
In Sports:
- Use protective sports equipment: Sports like football, bicycling, basketball, and soccer are among the most common causes of consumer product-related TBI. Using protective sports gear such as helmets, mouth guards, and shin guards, when appropriate, is crucial for preventing TBIs.
- Play it safe: Coaches and teachers can help prevent TBI by ensuring that children follow proper rules of play, use proper sports equipment, and use proper form during sports.
- Keep the playing area safe: School supervisors must also be diligent in enforcing playground and sports rules. The playing area must be free from any obstacles or hazards that may lead to TBI.
Who should be involved in injury prevention?
- Coaches and teachers: Injury prevention training and awareness campaigns for coaches, teachers, and other supervisors of play and sports is an important step in the primary prevention of TBI. Coaches and teachers should be trained in injury prevention and create awareness about TBI among children. They must ensure that the sports equipment is in good condition, and rules of play are followed strictly. School supervisors must also be diligent in enforcing playground and sports rules. Schools and sporting areas are presumed to be safe environments for children, so stopping out-of-control situations is essential.
- Parents and children: Parents should supervise their children and teach them to be alert to their surroundings in all settings, even controlled ones such as home and school. Children should be taught to follow proper safety measures while playing sports.
By following these tips and working together to create a safe environment for children, we can help reduce the rates of TBI in children and prevent lasting consequences.
References:
Le T, Cook A, Le T, et al. Trends in traumatic brain injury related to consumer products among U.S. school-aged children between 2000 and 2019. American Journal of Preventive Medicine. (July 2022).
Ali B, Lawrence B, Miller T, et al. Products and activities associated with nonfatal traumatic brain injuries in children and adolescents – United States 2010-2013. Brain Injury. (April 2019).
Lumba-Brown A, Yeates KO, Sarmiento K, et al. Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention guideline on the diagnosis and management of
mild traumatic brain injury among children. JAMA Pediatrics. (November 2018).