Head injuries can be
serious and can cause bleeding in
the brain tissue and the layers surrounding the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage,
subdural hematoma, and extradural
hematoma).
‘World Head Injury Awareness Day 2017 aims at creating a platform to share the experiences of those undergoing traumatic head injuries. The theme for the 2015-17 campaign is “Not Alone.”’
Head injuries may be
caused by a number of reasons including
- Motor and traffic
accidents
- Household
accidents,
- Falls sustained
during sports,
- Outdoor injuries
- Physical assaults
Indications of head
injuries include superficial scalp wounds, swelling and
bruising (indicative of fractures), swollen eyes
with eyelids shut, nasal bleeding and discharge, bleeding or discharge from the
ears, stiff neck, slurring of speech,
blurry eyes
and loss of consciousness. However, a mild head injury may seem to be it is necessary to get it as an emergency.
World Head Injury
Awareness Day 2017
Each year, more than 5% of the globe is involved in serious
brain injury due to traumatic accidents.
World Head
Injury Awareness Day is a platform for raising the
issue of such head injuries to push for reduction of such accidents through
safety measures like helmets while driving or skiing. This is a day to educate
people and create awareness on the need to avoid such head injuries and prevent
permanent disablement. This day seeks to make the public aware of the serious
consequences of head injuries, which may include death,
blindness, deafness, loss of speech and language,
epilepsy, cognitive disabilities, psychosocial
issues, memory loss, mild to severe paralysis and other neurological and
neuropsychiatric issues.
It is unfortunate that there is little information
and awareness about the repercussions of head injuries. The
Brain Injury Association of America (BIAA) leads the globe in observing Brain
Injury Awareness Month in March. Neurologists, neurosurgeons,
neuropsychiatrists, psychologists, memory experts and rehabilitation therapists
come together to educate people on this serious type of injury.
Head injuries require a multidisciplinary care approach and
it is imperative that the patient receives immediate emergency care. In
some accident cases especially in countries like India, the victim often does
not receive the
immediate medical attention which can result in further trauma
and serious side effects. Head injuries are often the leading cause of spinal
cord trauma and paralysis and it is important to create public awareness. The
focus of this day is prevention because such injuries are totally preventable
and avoidable.
The National Institute for Occupational
Health, South Africa gives the following recommendations for prevention of head
injuries:
- Use a seat belt
in a four-wheeler
- Driver and
pillion should use a helmet on a two-wheeler
- Do not drink and
drive
- Use a helmet in
contact sports like football, baseball, horse riding and skiing
- Watch your step
while walking or running
- Avoid slippery
floor areas whether at home or outside
Acquired head injuries are preventable and a few mindful
steps can go a long way in preventing trauma and keeping people safe.
2017 Theme: "Not
Alone"
The 2015-17 theme includes the campaign "Not Alone" as an
outreach call to survivors of head injuries. Since a good percentage of head
injuries involve serious trauma to the brain, it requires months of rehab and
recovery to get back to a normal state. The interim period is often devastating
for patients and families who often find themselves alone due to the lack of social support. Apart from the financial burden of a long
hospital stay and extended rehab, patients often find themselves out of gear in
their work and profession, family and social life. The campaign is a move to
address the deeper issues of the patient community by reaching out and communicating each and every person that
he/she is not alone in dealing with the fallout of head injuries. Isolation and
social stress often hamper an individual's recovery and hence such campaigns
try to create awareness among patients and also connect to the larger
community.
Online platforms and patient groups serve as a meeting point
for people with similar experiences. Coming together dispels the feeling of
loneliness and social stigma. People sharing experiences and tips can help
others cope better and learn how to handle their situation. A sense of
solidarity also motivates people to work harder at rehab and get back to the
driving seat of life. The campaign seeks to communicate that collectively we
can make a difference and help the community recover faster and better.
Do you know anyone with a traumatic head injury who needs
support? Reach out and let them know that they are not alone!
References :- March is Brain Injury Awareness Month - (http://www.biausa.org/brain-injury-awareness-month.htm)
- World Head Injury Awareness Day - (http://www.nioh.ac.za/?page=topical&id=13&rid=56)
- Head injury - first aid - (https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000028.htm)
Source: Medindia
