title: Unintentional injuries after TBI: Potential risk factors, impacts, and prevention.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The top three causes of fatal unintentional injuries are falls, motor vehicle crashes, and being struck against or struck by objects or persons. These etiologies also happen to be the leading causes of TBI, a serious public health problem, in the US. Reduced cognitive functioning, poor decision making, increased risk taking, disinhibition, diminished safety skills and substance use, place individuals with TBI at an increased risk for subsequent unintentional injuries. The caregiving, psychological, social and financial burden of initial injuries is enormous. Unintentional injuries post-TBI add to that burden significantly. Many unintentional injuries can be prevented with simple education and environment and lifestyle changes. Injury prevention requires collaboration among many.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  This literature review will share information regarding potential triggers or causes of unintentional injuries after TBI to identify potential issues. The many impacts of these injuries will be reviewed. Best practices in prevention will be presented.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Ultimately, education, discussion, and awareness across multiple stakeholders can aid in preventing unintentional injuries after TBI.
authors: Brain Trauma Foundation, Campbell, CA, USA.|Rehabilitation Research Center, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, CA, USA.
authors: Stephanie A
authors: SA
authors: Kolakowsky-Hayner
authors: Rehabilitation Research Center, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, CA, USA.
authors: Kimberly
authors: K
authors: Bellon
authors: Rehabilitation Research Center, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, CA, USA.
authors: Yvonne
authors: Y
authors: Yang
mesh_terms: D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000517:prevention & control*; D000070642:Brain Injuries, Traumatic / Q000175:diagnosis*; D006801:Humans; D012307:Risk Factors
keywords: Traumatic brain injury; alcohol and drug abuse; fatigue; lack of balance and coordination; repeat TBI; seizure; unintentional injury prevention