Ways to protect children from head trauma: Recommendations from experts

Experts, stating that head trauma can lead to serious health problems as a result of blows to the head, express that children carry a greater risk for such trauma. While it is pointed out that outdoor activities and traffic accidents are causing an increase in head trauma, the warning is made that "a headache that continues or gradually intensifies after trauma, loss of consciousness, nausea and vomiting, imbalance, and vision problems increase the suspicion of brain trauma." It is emphasized that in a case where head trauma is suspected, it is of vital importance not to move the patient and to notify emergency response teams, and it is stated that it is of great importance for children to use protective helmets and prefer safe play areas.

HEAD TRAUMA CAN CAUSE SERIOUS HEALTH PROBLEMS!

Experts, stating that head trauma is a condition where the brain is damaged as a result of a blow, fall, or impact to the head, express that such trauma can lead to short- or long-term health problems. While it is pointed out that outdoor activities increase the risk of brain trauma, it is stated that neck or head injuries can occur in water sports, especially as a result of diving headfirst or jumping into the sea/pool. Diving into shallow water can cause serious brain and spinal cord injuries. There is a risk of head trauma as a result of loss of balance in activities such as mountaineering, cycling, and skateboarding. Furthermore, this risk increases even more when protective equipment is not used. Traffic accidents are also an important factor that increases the incidence of head injuries. The use of seat belts during long-distance travel and the proper transport of children are of critical importance to reduce this risk.

PAY ATTENTION TO THESE SYMPTOMS!

Op. Dr. İdris Avcı, who conveyed that some symptoms after a blow to the head area can lead to suspicion of brain trauma, listed the symptoms indicating brain trauma as follows:

“A headache that continues or gradually intensifies after trauma may indicate a serious condition such as a brain hemorrhage. Short- or long-term loss of consciousness, nausea and vomiting, the person exhibiting behaviors different from normal, the person experiencing problems with walking balance, or experiencing symptoms such as blurred vision increase the suspicion of brain trauma.”

IT IS IMPORTANT NOT TO MOVE THE PATIENT AND TO NOTIFY MEDICAL TEAMS…

Experts, pointing out that rapid intervention is of vital importance in cases where head trauma is suspected, state that after an accident, the patient's head and neck movements should be minimized first and the neck should be kept in a stable position. It is emphasized that patients suspected of having a spinal cord injury should never be moved. It is stated that when symptoms such as loss of consciousness, severe headache, or vomiting are observed, 112 emergency response teams should be called immediately. If there is swelling or bruising on the head, it is stated that a cold compress can be applied to the area until medical teams arrive, which reduces swelling and alleviates pain. Furthermore, it is explained that the conscious patient should be laid on their back and kept in a comfortable position until medical teams arrive, and their head can be turned to the side against the risk of vomiting.

THE RISK OF HEAD TRAUMA IS HIGHER IN CHILDREN

Underlining that children carry a higher risk of brain trauma compared to adults, Op. Dr. İdris Avcı said, “Children are more prone to head injuries during falls, impacts, and active play, and because their skull bones are not fully developed, they may face more serious consequences.”

Stating that young children do not have fully developed balance and coordination, Dr. Avcı said that for this reason, families need to be careful and concluded his words as follows:

“Children must use protective helmets in activities such as cycling, skateboarding, and roller skating. The helmet absorbs the blow to the head, significantly reducing the risk of brain trauma. It should be ensured that the areas where children play are safe. Children playing on hard ground can be exposed to serious head injuries as a result of falling. Soft-surfaced play areas should be preferred. Children playing in high places at home or outside should be kept under supervision, and safety measures should be taken in areas such as stairs and balconies.”

News Source: 12punto