Lokmat News
In Road Accidents, most of the Deaths Occur Due to Brain Injury.
Lokmat News Service
In the intricate web of human anatomy, the brain stands as a resilient fortress protected within the confines of the skull. Despite its natural defenses, the disconcerting reality unfolds as road accidents, often resulting in traumatic brain injuries, claim a substantial number of lives each year. Dr. Palak Jaiswal, a beacon in the realm of neurosurgery, illuminates the subtleties of brain injuries, underlining the imperative need for awareness, prevention, and swift medical intervention.
Subtle Yet Devastating: The Reality of Brain Injuries
Prevalence Among Youth (15 to 45 Years):
Even within the fortress of the skull, injuries to the brain emerge as the predominant cause of disability and death among the youthful population.
Common Causes of Brain Injuries:
60% attributed to road accidents.
25% result from falls from height.
Fights, assaults, and incidents linked to alcohol contribute to the remaining 15%.
Understanding the Mechanics
Immediate Impact on Mortality:
An alarming 50% of fatalities in road accidents occur within the first two hours, with traumatic brain injuries playing a pivotal role. The immediate consequences include heightened pressure on the brain, compromised breathing, and uncontrolled blood pressure.
Considerations for Medication:
Individuals on blood-thinning medications face an elevated risk, even with minor head injuries. Dr. Jaiswal underscores the necessity for extra caution among individuals on these medications.
Types of Brain Injuries: Local vs. Diffuse Axonal Injury (Internal Injury):
High-speed driving intensifies the risk of brain injuries, with two distinct types—local and diffuse axonal injury. The latter, characterized as an internal injury, presents a challenging path to recovery.
Prevention Measures
Wearing Helmets and Adhering to Traffic Rules:
Dr. Palak Jaiswal advocates for proactive measures, urging individuals to don high-quality helmets while riding two-wheelers. A steadfast commitment to traffic rules and responsible driving at lower speeds significantly mitigates the risk of brain injuries in accidents.
Recognizing Symptoms Post Brain Injury
Impacts on Right and Left Brain Hemispheres:
Understanding the aftermath of brain injuries is crucial. Weakness in left-side arms and legs may signify injury to the right side of the brain. Conversely, left-brain injuries manifest as speech difficulties, impaired understanding, heightened irritability, and intellectual challenges.
A Call to Action
In essence, Dr. Palak Jaiswal, alongside his esteemed colleagues in neurosurgery, issues a resounding call to action for a proactive stance on road safety. By comprehending the root causes, and mechanisms, and adopting preventive strategies, individuals become active contributors to curbing the staggering toll of brain injuries. As guardians of our well-being, the act of wearing helmets and embracing responsible driving practices emerges not just as a personal choice but as a potent shield against the silent yet devastating impact of traumatic brain injuries on our roads.