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Unexpected Death of Actress Natasha Richardson Brings Awareness to Head Injuries

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - March 25, 2009 - The recent unexpected death of actress Natasha Richardson has brought awareness to head injury prevention and just how fragile the human brain really is. Americans are not taking the proper precautions to help avoid brain injury or seeking medical attention if they do get injured.

A traumatic brain injury can be caused by a blow or jolt to the head or penetrating head injury that disrupts function to the brain. The severity can range from mild, such as concussion with a brief change in mental status or consciousness, to severe, with a skull fracture or bleeding. While the majority of injuries are labeled as "mild," they do require immediate medical evaluation.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 1.6 to 3.8 million sports and recreation related concussions occur in America each year. Many of these injuries are preventable with the proper use of a helmet.

"It may seem like a bother to put on a helmet, but it's worth the effort," said Dr. Jason Hubbard, a neurosurgeon at Baptist Hospital, Saint Thomas Hospital and the Center for Spinal Surgery, who in partnership with Baptist Sports Medicine is also credentialed in ImPACT concussion management. "With new helmet technology increasing protection and comfort, there's no reason not to wear one."

Football helmet technology is an excellent example of how great strides have been made in reducing head injuries. When worn properly, some of the newest helmets available have reduced the risk of concussion by 31 percent.

Some of the most common recreational activities that should include use of helmets are biking, rollerblading, skateboarding, skiing, snowboarding, horseback riding and ATV or go-kart use. Different activities might require different helmets for optimal protection. It is important to be sure the helmet fits properly and securely to ensure the greatest protection.

Overlooking head injuries is huge health risk. With some brain injuries, as with Natasha Richardson's, a person can feel fine but have a gravely injured brain that needs medical attention. Doctors often call this the "talk and die" syndrome because people feel fine right after the injury but later deteriorate.

Common symptoms of head injury include:

• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Slurred speech

More subtle symptoms include:

• Foggy memory
• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty sleeping
• Mood changes

Always get immediate medical attention if there is loss of consciousness or bleeding.

"Don't let embarrassment get the better of you," adds Dr. Hubbard. "Getting medical attention is never 'making a fuss' or 'causing anyone trouble' if it saves your life."

For more information on Saint Thomas Health Services' neurosciences services, visit www.sths.com/neurosciences. To learn more about the ImPACT concussion management program, visit www.baptistsportsmedicine.com or www.howellallen.com.

Saint Thomas Health Services is a faith-based ministry with more than 6,000 associates serving Middle Tennessee. Saint Thomas Health Services' regional health system consists of four hospitals - Baptist and Saint Thomas in Nashville, Middle Tennessee Medical Center in Murfreesboro and Hickman Community Hospital in Centerville - and a comprehensive network of affiliated joint ventures in diagnostics, cardiac services and ambulatory surgery as well as medical practices, the Center for Spinal Surgery, clinics and rehabilitation facilities. STHS is a member of Ascension Health, a Catholic organization that is the largest not-for-profit health system in the United States. For more information, visit www.sths.com.

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