What is a head injury?
An event of blow to the head, a laceration of the scalp or head, or altered consciousness.
Prevalence of head injury fatalities-
Motorcyclists account for 23% of global road traffic deaths. Around half of fatalities in countries involve motorcycles as the dominant means of transport. Wearing a helmet can reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 69%. Fatal cases can be reduced by 42%.
Inspite of motor cycles being one of the primary modes of transportation, both child and adult helmet use are low in many countries. It is a common observation that motorcyclists are more likely to wear helmets when helmet use is mandated. In countries where a substantial portion of road users are motorcyclists, increasing helmet use can reduce road traffic injuries and deaths.
The fatality rate of helmet wearers Is half that of non-approved helmet wearers.
Consequencies and severities-
The problems posed by head injuries are vast which includes a wide range of severity. Head injuries have a peak occurrence in young adult men thus they account for many years of potential loss of life. Also many people suffer with lifelong disability. There are estimated to be as many people of disability. Considering the nature of head injuries and the scale of the problem, it is important that we prevent cases at our end.
Prevention Of head injuries-
Prevention can be done at three stages:
- forestalling the accident;
- minimising the degree of injury occurring on impact
- reducing the risk of secondary complications.
Accident prevention requires modification of behaviour by the public and is effective usually only when enforced by legislation. The introduction of speed limits, the use of safety belts by vehicle occupants, and the wearing of helmets by motor cyclists have all proved effective. More stringent limits on the alcohol level allowed in drivers, and the universal use of air bags, with rigorous enforcement could further contribute to a reduction in injuries due to road accidents. This would leave alcohol still a major contributor to injuries from assaults and falls and in pedestrian victims of road accidents. There is increasing evidence that the wearing of helmets by cyclists prevents injuries. The dangers of brain damage from boxing are well recognised.
Outcomes of head injury-
With Knowledge of risk factors for development of secondary brain damage, the mortality of severe head injury has reduced. For mildly affected patients, upto half of them usually make good recovery and return to the pre-injury level of function. This however comes with small residual deficits. For moderately disabled patients, they are usually somewhat independent for activities of daily living, however do not ever return to their previous level of function. Preventing cases thus reduces the disability suffered by the survivors of severe and moderate head injury. It also helps improve the quality of life for these patients and their families.
Also read- https://vcurehealthcare.com/bells-palsy-how-does-it-occur-and-treatment-options/