Experts warn about Xmas brain injury riskRSS Feed

Those celebrating Christmas this season have been warned about the danger of suffering brain injury, resulting from falls when putting up decorations and making holiday preparations.

The American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS) has drawn attention to the significant increase in the number of people treated for brain injury during winter.

Damage resulting from falls on ice and by impacts on wood floors are two of the most common causes of head injuries, according to statistics drawn from hospitals in 2008 and 2009.

Children and the elderly are particularly at risk during winter, data shows.

Commenting on the phenomenon of Christmas related head injury, which can be fatal in some instances, AANS spokesperson Dr Gail Rouseau said: "A moment of distraction, hastiness, or carelessness can lead to a life-altering or even fatal head injury, but most injuries can be prevented by taking a few simple precautions."

The warning follows claims by researchers at Harvard University that they are close to developing a way of assessing the brain injury caused by concussion, by examining levels of the chemicals glutamate and choline in the brain.

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Posted by Matthew Heap

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