Fall Prevention: Key to Avoiding Brain Injuries

PROVIDENCE, RI – According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI), followed by  automobile accidents, being struck in the head, and assaults. Furthermore, falls cause half of the TBIs among children aged 0 to 14 years of age, and cause more than 60 percent of all TBIs among adults aged 65 years and older.

David Pavao DPT, OCS, is a member of the Private Practice Section of the American Physical Therapy Association (PPS). He and the team at Performance, treat individuals annually who suffer from brain injuries, ranging from mild concussions to severe brain injuries.

Symptoms of TBIs can include profound confusion, nausea, slurred speech, extremity weakness or numbness, loss of coordination, convulsions or seizures, coma and death.

“The best prevention to brain injuries is learning how to stay afoot without taking a tumble in the first place, and knowing how to minimize injury when falling is unavoidable,” said Pavao. “Strength, balance, confidence, and competence all play crucial roles in keeping people mobile, and are especially important in the wake of a fall resulting in a brain injury.”

Beth Carnevale DPT, hosts A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls at Performance Physical Therapy.  “Fear of falling can be just as dangerous as falling itself,” says Carnevale, a Physical Therapist and Certified Matter of Balance Instructor.  “People who fear falling limit their activities, which can result in severe weakness, making the risk of falling even greater. It’s a vicious cycle we see too often.  A Matter of Balance can help people improve their quality of life and remain independent.”  Performance Physical Therapy is offering A Matter of Balance:  Managing Concerns About Falls, hosted by Bethany Carnevale, DPT.  This eight week class includes a workbook and refreshments.

Pavao and Carnevale find that participating in A Matter of Balance and creating a fitness routine that increases strength, balance, coordination, and is highly tailored to each individual, dramatically reduces brain injuries caused by falls.

For more information, please call 401-726-7100, or visits www.performanceptri.com.

About Performance Physical Therapy

Established in 1999, Performance Physical Therapy is a state-of-the-art rehabilitation physical therapy practice with nine locations in Rhode Island.  We are known for our customer care, our dedication to education and for providing the latest treatment and solutions to our patients. We provide a variety of services to help our patients of all ages achieve their overall fitness, wellness and rehabilitation goals. Our areas of specialty include sports injuries, post-surgical rehabilitation, orthopedics and the spine. For more information please see the website; www.performanceptri.com or visit our blog http://www.performanceptriblog.com/

Editor’s Note: David Pavao DPT, OCS is available for additional comments dpavao@performanceptri.com.

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