All Seattle parents try to provide a safe home for their children. However, several common household products could put kids at risk for a traumatic brain injury.
Dangerous household items
According to a 2019 study, 4.1 million babies, children and teens received emergency treatment for traumatic brain injuries between 2010 and 2013. The authors of the study found approximately 72% of these kids were injured by items in their own homes.
Some of the riskiest household items included:
- Bunk beds
- Tables and chairs
- Stairs
- Flooring
- Bicycles
- Sports equipment
Babies and toddlers were most likely to be injured by falling off furniture or beds. However, children between the ages of 5 and 19 were most likely to get hurt while bicycling or participating in sports activities, including football and soccer.
What are traumatic brain injuries?
Traumatic brain injuries occur when a blow or jolt to the head causes the brain to move around in the skull. This action can damage delicate brain tissue, resulting in bruising, bleeding and swelling.
Symptoms of minor TBIs may include:
- Brief or no loss of consciousness
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness
- Memory problems
Symptoms of moderate or severe TBIs may include:
- Loss of consciousness for several minutes or hours
- Persistent or worsening headache
- Repeated vomiting
- Clear fluids draining from ears or nose
- Profound confusion
- Agitation
- Slurred speech
- Seizures
Infants and toddlers with brain injuries may not be able to communicate their symptoms, so parents should look out for non-verbal signs such as persistent crying, changes to eating or sleeping habits, irritability and drowsiness. All children who suffer blows to the head should be checked by medical professionals.