ScienceDaily: Accident and Trauma News

Laws to lower alcohol limits mean lower fatalities says trauma expert

Wed, 22 May 2013 16:02:02 EDT

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) is proposing that the legal limit for a driver’s blood-alcohol content be reduced from 0.08 to 0.05, but and that may not be far enough say experts.

For combat veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, 'fear circuitry' in the brain never rests

Sat, 18 May 2013 15:32:32 EDT

Chronic trauma can inflict lasting damage to brain regions associated with fear and anxiety. Previous imaging studies of people with post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, have shown that these brain regions can over-or under-react in response to stressful tasks.

Researchers shocked by new statistics on head injuries among people who are homeless

Thu, 16 May 2013 14:26:26 EDT

Men who are heavy drinkers and homeless for long periods of time have 400 times the number of head injuries as the general population, according to a new study by researchers who said they were shocked by their findings.

Repeat brain injury raises soldiers' suicide risk

Wed, 15 May 2013 16:39:39 EDT

Suicide risk is higher among military personnel with more lifetime TBIs, even after controlling for clinical symptom severity. Results of the study show that multiple TBIs, which are common among military personnel, may contribute to increased risk for suicide.

Benefit of cycle helmet laws to reduce head injuries still uncertain

Tue, 14 May 2013 21:31:31 EDT

The benefit of helmet legislation to reduce admissions to hospital for head injuries is "substantially uncertain," concludes a new study.

Passenger car drivers are more likely to die in crashes with SUVs, regardless of crash ratings

Tue, 14 May 2013 13:54:54 EDT

Most consumers who are shopping for a new car depend on good crash safety ratings as an indicator of how well the car will perform in a crash. But a new study of crashes involving cars and sport utility vehicles has found those crash ratings are a lot less relevant than vehicle type.

Brain-imaging study links cannabinoid receptors to post-traumatic stress disorder: First pharmaceutical treatment for PTSD within reach

Tue, 14 May 2013 08:50:50 EDT

In a first-of-its-kind effort to illuminate the biochemical impact of trauma, researchers at NYU Langone Medical Center have discovered a connection between the quantity of cannabinoid receptors in the human brain, known as CB1 receptors, and post-traumatic stress disorder, the chronic, disabling condition that can plague trauma victims with flashbacks, nightmares and emotional instability.

Link between intimate partner violence and depression

Tue, 07 May 2013 19:56:56 EDT

Not only are women who have experienced violence from their partner (intimate partner violence) at higher risk of becoming depressed, but women who are depressed may also be at increased risk of experiencing intimate partner violence, according to a new study.

Research supports laws that require bicyclists to wear helmets

Mon, 06 May 2013 09:54:54 EDT

Bicycle helmets save lives and their use should be required by law. That's the conclusion of a new study.

Seat belt research aims to increase child safety on the road

Thu, 02 May 2013 12:03:03 EDT

Vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death and injury among children. Researchers have found the most effective strategy to prevent injury and death among children is to use age- and size-appropriate seat belt restraints.

Amusement rides in U.S. injure 4,400 kids a year: Injuries higher on 'fixed' rides

Wed, 01 May 2013 09:18:18 EDT

On average, a child is treated in an emergency department every other hour in the US for injuries on amusement rides, according to the first national study to examine those types of accidents in depth. Researchers investigated amusement ride injuries from 1990 to 2010 and found nearly 93,000 children were injured on rides including roller coasters, merry-go-rounds and coin-operated rides. The study finds consistent safety standards are needed.

Cost-effectiveness of helicopter transport of trauma victims examined

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 16:45:45 EDT

Researchers have for the first time determined how often emergency medical helicopters need to help save the lives of seriously injured people to be considered cost-effective compared with ground ambulances.

Mild blast injury causes molecular changes in brain akin to Alzheimer

Wed, 24 Apr 2013 10:31:31 EDT

Scientists have shown that mild traumatic brain injury after blast exposure produces inflammation, oxidative stress and gene activation patterns akin to disorders of memory processing such as Alzheimer's disease.

Children routinely injured or killed by guns, U.S. study shows; Access to loaded, unlocked firearms remains a problem

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 16:19:19 EDT

While gun control issues usually surface after major incidents like the fatal shooting of 20 elementary school students in Newtown, Connecticut, a new U.S. study shows that children are routinely killed or injured by firearms.

Pain improves during first year but mental-health problems linger in returning veterans with major limb injuries

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 19:40:40 EDT

Few studies document short- and long-term pain and behavioral health in combat-injured service members with major limb trauma. In a 2-year longitudinal study, multiple post-injury pain and related outcomes are reported.

Most effective PTSD therapies are not being widely used, researchers find

Thu, 11 Apr 2013 15:24:24 EDT

Post-traumatic stress disorder affects nearly 8 million adults in any given year, federal statistics show. Fortunately, clinical research has identified certain psychological interventions that effectively ameliorate the symptoms of PTSD. But most people struggling with PTSD don't receive those treatments, according to a new report.

Few effective, evidence-based interventions to prevent posttraumatic stress disorder, review finds

Tue, 02 Apr 2013 15:01:01 EDT

A new review summarizes the results of a systematic review of clinical interventions for adults exposed to at least one traumatic event such as war, a natural or human-made disaster, motor vehicle accidents, community violence, sexual assault or domestic violence.

Many emergency department providers don't ask suicidal patients about gun access

Mon, 01 Apr 2013 09:07:07 EDT

Although guns are used in over half of all American suicides, a new study shows many emergency room doctors do not routinely ask suicidal patients about their access to firearms.

New study aims to prevent sports-related brain injury in youngsters

Fri, 29 Mar 2013 12:53:53 EDT

Ice hockey accounts for nearly half of all traumatic brain injuries among children and youth participating in organized sports who required a trip to an emergency department in Canada, according to a new study.

Low cognitive score and risk of brain injury linked

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 19:46:46 EDT

Young men with low cognitive function and low socioeconomic status are significantly more likely to suffer from mild traumatic brain injury than those without, a new study suggests. Current literature suggests that mild traumatic brain injuries cause changes in brain tissues and have important long-term consequences on cognitive function, but new findings suggest that low cognitive function may come first.

Single concussion may cause lasting brain damage

Tue, 12 Mar 2013 09:26:26 EDT

A single concussion may cause lasting structural damage to the brain, according to a new study.

Neck injuries linked to high costs for patients and spouses, study reports

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 12:37:37 EDT

Patients with neck injuries incur increased health and social costs -- which also affect their spouses and may begin years before the initial injury, a new study reports.

Changes in heart attack timing continue years after Hurricane Katrina

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:44:44 EST

The upheaval caused by Hurricane Katrina seems to have disrupted the usual timing of heart attacks, shifting peak frequency from weekday mornings to weekend nights, in a change in pattern that persisted a full five years after the storm, according to new research.

Higher heart attack rates continue 6 years after Katrina

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 12:42:42 EST

New Orleans residents continue to face a three-fold increased risk of heart attack post-Katrina -- a trend that has remained unchanged since the storm hit in 2005, according to new research.

Even mild traumatic brain injuries can kill brain tissue

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 11:05:05 EST

Scientists have watched a mild traumatic brain injury play out in the living brain, prompting swelling that reduces blood flow and connections between neurons to die.

Computer model may help athletes and soldiers avoid brain damage and concussions

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 14:57:57 EST

Concussions can occur in sports and in combat, but health experts do not know precisely which jolts, collisions and awkward head movements during these activities pose the greatest risks to the brain. To find out, engineers have developed a powerful new computer-based process that helps identify the dangerous conditions that lead to concussion-related brain injuries. This approach could lead to new medical treatment options and some sports rule changes to reduce brain trauma among players.

Why some soldiers develop PTSD while others don't

Thu, 21 Feb 2013 19:42:42 EST

Pre-war vulnerability is just as important as combat-related trauma in predicting whether veterans' symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder will be long-lasting, according to new research.

People with disabilities at greater risk of violence and subsequent mental ill-health

Wed, 20 Feb 2013 18:49:49 EST

People with disabilities are at a greater risk of being the victims of violence and of suffering mental ill health when victimized, according to new research.

Fallout from nuclear testing shows that the Achilles tendon can't heal itself

Tue, 12 Feb 2013 11:20:20 EST

Notorious among athletes and trainers as career killers, Achilles tendon injuries are among the most devastating. Now, by carbon testing tissues exposed to nuclear fallout in post WWII tests, scientists have learned why: Like our teeth and the lenses in our eyes, the Achilles tendon is a tissue that does not repair itself.

Increase in dance-related injuries in children and adolescents

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 15:07:07 EST

A new study examined dance-related injuries among children and adolescents 3 to 19 years of age from 1991 to 2007.

Few effective, evidence-based interventions for children exposed to traumatic events

Mon, 11 Feb 2013 09:07:07 EST

About two out of every three children will experience at least one traumatic event before they turn 18. Despite this high rate of exposure, little is known about the effectiveness of treatments aimed at preventing and relieving traumatic stress symptoms that children may experience after such events, according to researchers.

Almost 8 percent of US stroke survivors may have suicidal thoughts

Thu, 07 Feb 2013 13:15:15 EST

Stroke survivors are more likely to report recent suicidal thoughts or wish they were dead compared with individuals with previous heart attack, diabetes or cancer. Seven variables were important in predicting whether a person with stroke had recent suicidal thoughts: depression score, age, BMI, education level, socioeconomic status, gender and marital status.

Older bikers three times as likely to be seriously injured in crashes as younger peers

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 18:58:58 EST

Older bikers are up to three times as likely to be seriously injured in a crash as younger motor bike enthusiasts, indicates US research.

Traumatic brain injury complications common among U.S. combat soldiers

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 13:10:10 EST

U.S. soldiers in combat often suffer constricted blood vessels and increased pressure in the brain -- significant complications of traumatic brain injuries, according to new research.

Water tubing-related injuries up 250 percent

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 14:21:21 EST

Water tubing, a recreational activity in which participants ride an inner tube which is pulled behind a boat by a tow rope, has grown in popularity in recent years. Unfortunately, the number of injuries related to this activity has also increased.

In combat vets and others, high rate of vision problems after traumatic brain injury

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 13:00:00 EST

Visual symptoms and abnormalities occur at high rates in people with traumatic brain injury (TBI) -- including Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans with blast-related TBI, a new study reports.

Needless abdominal CT scans can be avoided in children, study says

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 13:23:23 EST

A study of more than 12,000 children from emergency departments throughout the U.S. has identified seven factors that can help physicians determine the need for a computed tomography scan following blunt trauma to the abdomen.

Taking a bite at the shark bite

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 13:22:22 EST

Researchers are studying the bacteria of a shark's mouth in order to improve medical treatment for shark bite victims.

ATV-related accidents and children: Pediatric orthopaedic surgeons show age-related patterns of spine injury in ATV injuries

Thu, 31 Jan 2013 14:44:44 EST

Children continue to account for a disproportionate percentage of morbidity and mortality from ATV-related accidents -- up 240 percent since 1997, according to a new report.

Toward a better cyanide antidote for terrorist attacks and other mass casualty events

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 11:20:20 EST

In an advance toward closing a major gap in defenses against terrorist attacks and other mass casualty events, scientists are reporting discovery of a promising substance that could be the basis for development of a better antidote for cyanide poisoning. Their report describes a potential antidote that could be self-administered, much like the medication delivered by allergy injection pens.

Severe abuse at home linked to dating violence

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 10:21:21 EST

Young urban black women who are exposed to severe abuse within their families are much more likely to be victims of dating violence, according to a new study.

Assault increases suicide risk in military

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 10:41:41 EST

A new study links physical and violent sexual assault as an adult to an increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions for military personnel. The study suggests recognizing specific triggers may enhance diagnosis and treatment.

Simple blood test can help identify trauma patients at greatest risk of death

Fri, 18 Jan 2013 07:22:22 EST

A simple, inexpensive blood test performed on trauma patients upon admission can help doctors easily identify patients at greatest risk of death, according to a new study.

Is there a period of increased vulnerability for repeat traumatic brain injury?

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 11:13:13 EST

Repeat traumatic brain injury affects a subgroup of the 3.5 million people who suffer head trauma each year. Even a mild repeat TBI that occurs when the brain is still recovering from an initial injury can result in poorer outcomes, especially in children and young adults. A metabolic marker that could serve as the basis for new mild TBI vulnerability guidelines is described in a new article.

No need for routine repeated CT scans after mild head trauma, study suggests

Thu, 03 Jan 2013 11:38:38 EST

When initial computed tomography (CT) scans show bleeding within the brain after mild head injury, decisions about repeated CT scans should be based on the patient's neurological condition, according to a new report.

Second impact syndrome in a high school football player: Researchers use imaging findings to chronicle new details

Tue, 01 Jan 2013 11:48:48 EST

Image series and other data help researchers shed new light on the rare and devastating condition of second impact syndrome.

People with mental disorders more likely to have experienced domestic violence

Wed, 26 Dec 2012 22:30:30 EST

Men and women with mental health disorders, across all diagnoses, are more likely to have experienced domestic violence than the general population, according to new research.

School shootings: What we know and what we can do

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 15:27:27 EST

School shootings at elementary, secondary and higher education institutions have been a painful reality for American society. But can anything realistically be done to prevent these horrific crimes? A new article attempts to parse out what we have learned from past events, and what we can do about stopping the next attack.

MRIs reveal signs of brain injuries not seen in CT scans

Tue, 18 Dec 2012 15:32:32 EST

Hospital MRIs may be better at predicting long-term outcomes for people with mild traumatic brain injuries than CT scans, the standard technique for evaluating such injuries in the emergency room, according to a new clinical trial.

Intracranial pressure monitoring for traumatic brain injury questioned

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 20:57:57 EST

For patients with a traumatic brain injury, the default standard of care has just been turned on its head by a new study. Researchers found that intracranial pressure monitoring -- the standard of care for severe traumatic brain injury -- showed no significant difference than a treatment based on imaging and clinical examination.

High short-term risk of attempted suicide in teenagers following parents' suicide attempt

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 20:56:56 EST

The risk that young people attempt to commit suicide is highest within two years after a parent has received inpatient care due to a mental disorder or suicide attempt, according to a study of over 15,000 teenagers and young adults. The risk is much higher for teenagers than for young adults, according to the collaborative study by researchers in Sweden and Denmark.

Ophthalmologists caution parents: Hazardous toys are responsible for thousands of eye injuries each year

Tue, 04 Dec 2012 08:07:07 EST

With the holiday season upon us, children are busy making their wish lists and checking them twice. But, parents may need to check them yet again to ensure toy safety. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, more than 250,000 toy-related injuries are treated in emergency rooms each year. Most of these injuries affect children under age 15, and almost half affect the head or face. In light of these dangers, the American Academy of Ophthalmology encourages parents to be EyeSmart about toys this holiday season.

Childhood trauma leaves mark on DNA of some victims: Gene-environment interaction causes lifelong dysregulation of stress hormones

Sun, 02 Dec 2012 16:40:40 EST

Abused children are at high risk of anxiety and mood disorders, as traumatic experience induces lasting changes to their gene regulation. Scientists have now documented for the first time that genetic variants of the FKBP5 gene can influence epigenetic alterations in this gene induced by early trauma.

Preventing posttraumatic stress disorder by facing trauma memories

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 09:41:41 EST

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a form of learning that begins at the moment of the exposure to extremely stressful situations and that grows in impact as trauma-related memories are rehearsed and strengthened repeatedly. This somewhat oversimplified view of PTSD yields a powerful prediction: if one could disrupt the rehearsal and strengthening of traumatic memories, a process called reconsolidation of memories, then one might reduce PTSD risk or PTSD severity after potentially traumatic events.

Radiologic and physical findings identify elder abuse

Tue, 27 Nov 2012 00:33:33 EST

Radiologists in Toronto have begun to identify a pattern of injuries that may be indicative of elder abuse, according to a new study.

Alarming 15-fold increase in inflatable bouncer-related injuries among children

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 11:09:09 EST

Researchers found that from 1995 to 2010 there was a 15-fold increase in the number of inflatable bouncer-related injuries that were treated in US emergency departments among children younger than 18 years of age. In 2010 alone, more than 30 children per day, or about one child every 45 minutes, were treated in hospital emergency departments for injuries associated with inflatable bouncers.

Brain compensates after traumatic injury, evidence shows

Mon, 26 Nov 2012 11:04:04 EST

Researchers have found that a special magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) technique may be able to predict which patients who have experienced concussions will improve. The results suggest that, in some patients, the brain may change to compensate for the damage caused by the injury.

Rate of suicide by hanging/suffocation doubles in middle-aged men and women

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 08:47:47 EST

A new article examines changes in the method of suicide committed in the U.S. over the past decade.

Embattled childhoods may be the real trauma for soldiers with PTSD

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 14:06:06 EST

New research on posttraumatic stress disorder in soldiers challenges popular assumptions about the origins and trajectory of PTSD, providing evidence that traumatic experiences in childhood - not combat - may predict which soldiers develop the disorder.

Alcohol provides protective effect, reduces mortality substantially after injury, study suggests

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 13:21:21 EST

Injured patients were less likely to die in the hospital if they had alcohol in their blood, according to a new study -- and the more alcohol, the more likely they were to survive.