Things To Know

Falls are the leading cause of brain injuries, while car accidents and recreational activities follow close behind as the second and third leading causes.
The three groups of people who have a greater risk of getting a brain injury include small children under the age of 4, teenagers, and adults over the age of 75.

Thousands of injuries are caused every year due to bus driver negligence, and the negligence of bus companies both in their supervision of bus operators and the maintenance of their bus fleet. Hundreds of deaths are also caused by driver error and the poor safety record of bus companies.
Motorcycle riders without helmets are 3 times more likely to suffer traumatic brain injuries in an accident, while helmet usage reduces the risk of fatality by 37%.
Concussion and TBI can sometimes be slow to present symptoms. It is always best to be seen by medical professionals if you are in a vehicle accident. Without a thorough medical exam, you put yourself at risk. Be sure to get checked out.

Off-road activities like ATV and UTV riding are popular in West Virginia, but they also lead to an alarming number of brain injuries and deaths. Whether you’re biking, skating, skiing, motorcycling, or enjoying other outdoor activities, prioritizing helmet use and safety can help reduce these risks and protect West Virginians.
Concussions are brain injuries and are an important health concern among all children who participate in sports and recreational activities due to the fact that their brains are still developing and maturing. A concussion may result in negative physical, cognitive, emotional, and behavioral effects.
Football and soccer have also been associated with an increased incidence of brain injuries and concussions. This is why understanding concussion protocols and seeking medical attention following a traumatic head impact is crucial. When in doubt, have it checked out.

Sometimes brain injuries can occur during the birthing process. If there is lack of oxygen to the baby’s brain due to prolonged delivery, nuchal birth, breech birth or other issues and difficulties during delivery, make sure you get your baby checked out carefully.
If your baby isn’t crying like you think they should, hearing well, eating right, crawling on time—or you just have a feeling that something is wrong—make sure your pediatrician is aware of your concern.

The best choice for a helmet is a full face helmet approved by the DOT (Department of Transportation). There should be a DOT certification sticker somewhere on the helmet if it has been approved.
According to the Snell Memorial Foundation, an independent helmet testing and standard setting organization, helmets should be replaced every 5 years, and sooner if the helmet has been damaged or has been in a crash. Not only do helmets deteriorate with age, but regular replacement allows you to take advantage of improvements in design and materials.