How To Prevent And Treat A Concussion

Always Wear A Seatbelt

Wearing a seatbelt can prevent the head from striking the window, back seat, or windshield during a motor vehicle accident. Both drivers and passengers should wear a seatbelt at all times while traveling in a car (even in the backseat), and seatbelts should also be worn on buses when available. Children should ride in the backseat of a car, and parents should ensure the seat belt fits the child properly; booster seats may be necessary to achieve this. Both the lap belt and neck strap should be worn. For the proper fit, the lap belt needs to rest across the hips and should not be placed over the thighs or abdomen. The neck strap is meant to touch the shoulder; it should not dig into the neck or be placed on the arm. Some seatbelts can be adjusted to accommodate the height of the user, and all users should ensure the seatbelt is not twisted during wear.

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Reduce The Risk Of Falls In The Home

Falls at home are a major cause of head injuries, including concussions. To reduce the risk of falls in the home, parents of young children may wish to use stair gates to protect their children from falling down the stairs. Individuals of all ages should use handrails while climbing stairs, and stairs should be kept free of toys, clutter, cords, and other hazards that could cause trips and falls. All throw rugs should have a rubber backing or pad placed underneath them to increase traction and reduce the chance of slips, and individuals may want to remove throw rugs entirely. Particular caution should be taken to avoid falls on wet bathroom surfaces. Grab bars can be installed to increase bathroom safety, and patients may also wish to place a mat in the tub to prevent slips. If a mat is not available, shoes designed for use at the pool can be worn while bathing to decrease the chance of falls. All wet surfaces should be wiped dry with a towel. In addition, patients who use ladders and step stools to reach shelves or hang decorations should make sure these have rubber feet and that they are designed for the user's weight range. If possible, having a family member or friend present to stabilize the step stool or ladder while it is in use could aid in fall prevention.

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