10/21/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 10/21/2024 12:42
As communities come together to celebrate Halloween, Bentley expresses the necessity of being prepared and informed about how to prevent potential injuries.While Halloween offers fun-filled activities for families, it also raises significant safety concerns, especially related to traumatic brain injuries among trick-or-treaters.
A University of Alabama at Birmingham expert reminds us that, behind the costumes and candy, Halloween ranks as one of the most dangerous days for pedestrians.
Traumatic brain injuries occur when a sudden impact to the head causes damage to the brain and disrupts its normal function. These injuries, which range from mild concussions to permanent impairment, can happen through a variety of ways. Bumps, blows or jolts to the head due to falls and motor vehicle crashes are some of the most common causes.
Nicole Bentley, M.D., associate professor in the UAB Department of Neurosurgery and director of the UAB Center for Neuroengineering and Brain-Computer Interfaces, stresses the importance of TBI prevention, noting that immediate TBI symptoms are not always apparent but can be life- threatening.
"We have unfortunately seen many pedestrian injuries, but taking simple precautions can significantly reduce the risk of traumatic brain injuries in children and adults alike," Bentley said. "Halloween should be full of fun, not trips to the ED."
Is Halloween scarier than we realized? Without taking proper safety precautions, it can be.
According to Bentley, community awareness plays a pivotal role in ensuring a safe holiday. By following the proper safety precautions, we can ensure that Halloween remains fun and our trick-or-treaters are protected from harm.
To minimize the risk of brain injuries on fright night, Bentley highlights several safety tips:
As communities come together to celebrate Halloween, Bentley expresses the necessity of being prepared and informed about how to prevent potential injuries.