http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/accident_and_trauma/ Latest science news on accident and trauma. Best response methods, new technological advances, accident prevention, rescue, and trauma treatment. en-us Sat, 26 May 2012 15:05:01 EDT Sat, 26 May 2012 15:05:01 EDT 60 http://www.sciencedaily.com/images/logosmall.gif http://www.sciencedaily.com/news/health_medicine/accident_and_trauma/ For more science articles, visit ScienceDaily. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514144651.htm A new study examined pediatric injuries associated with baby bottles, pacifiers and sippy cups. Researchers found that from 1991 to 2010, an estimated 45,398 children younger than three years of age were treated in U.S. emergency departments for injuries related to the use of these products. This equates to an average of 2,270 injuries per year, or one child treated in a hospital emergency department every four hours for these injuries. Mon, 14 May 2012 14:46:46 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120514144651.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511122236.htm Even mild head injuries can cause significant abnormalities in brain function that last for several days, which may explain the neurological symptoms experienced by some individuals who have experienced a head injury associated with sports, accidents or combat, according to a new study. Fri, 11 May 2012 12:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120511122236.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509105301.htm A study that was performed in Zurich and was published in the current issue of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics explored the role of a steroid hormone in disclosing the long term psychological consequence of an accidental injury. Wed, 09 May 2012 10:53:53 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/05/120509105301.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423131337.htm A dirty bomb attack centered on downtown Los Angeles’ financial district could severely impact the region’s economy to the tune of nearly $16 billion, fueled primarily by psychological effects that could persist for a decade, researchers say. Mon, 23 Apr 2012 13:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120423131337.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120422162212.htm With more than 1.7 million people sustaining a traumatic brain injury each year, the need to identify processes to limit inflammation and subsequent damage is critical. New research demonstrates that estrone provides anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities that are important after traumatic brain injury. Sun, 22 Apr 2012 16:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120422162212.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120413145220.htm When Dr. Irene Gatti de Leon slipped on the ice and bumped her head, she wasn't too concerned. But two months later, she experienced weakness in her right leg and right arm, and was in imminent danger of suffering permanent disability similar to a stroke. Fri, 13 Apr 2012 14:52:52 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120413145220.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402093509.htm Scientists have linked two genes to a higher risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. The study suggests that PTSD susceptibility is inherited and could explain why some persons succumb to the disorder while others who suffered the same ordeal do not. Mon, 02 Apr 2012 09:35:35 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/04/120402093509.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120322095546.htm Baseball shoulder, gymnast wrist, runner’s knee. These are just a few of the labels sports medicine specialists use to describe the increasing number of repetitive-use injuries they see in young children. Thu, 22 Mar 2012 09:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/03/120322095546.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214170906.htm Though researchers are becoming increasingly aware of the long-term effects of head injury, few studies have looked at the prevalence of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in all age groups, including males and females, taking into account both mild and serious events. Tue, 14 Feb 2012 17:09:09 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120214170906.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207142144.htm Shark attacks in the US declined in 2011, but worldwide fatalities reached a two-decade high, according to the a new report. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 14:21:21 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207142144.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207121928.htm People who have been unlucky in love are said to suffer from a "broken heart." A broken heart is an actual medical condition. Broken heart syndrome occurs during highly stressful or emotional times, such as a painful breakup, the death of a spouse or the loss of a job. Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:19:19 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120207121928.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206092626.htm In one year alone, over 4,500 children in the United States were hospitalized due to child abuse, and 300 of them died of their injuries, researchers report in a new study. Mon, 06 Feb 2012 09:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/02/120206092626.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125162628.htm A new position statement issued by the American Academy of Neurology calls on neurologists to begin screening their patients for abusive or violent treatment by family, caretakers or others. Types of abuse include elder abuse, child abuse, sexual abuse, financial abuse, emotional abuse, bullying, cyberbullying and violence. Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:26:26 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120125162628.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118122827.htm As the last U.S. troops return home from Iraq, new research lends timely insights into the rates and impact of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) among military personnel serving in Iraq/Afghanistan, according to a new research. Wed, 18 Jan 2012 12:28:28 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120118122827.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120116200559.htm Serious injuries to pedestrians listening to headphones have more than tripled in six years, according to new research. In many cases, the cars or trains are sounding horns that the pedestrians cannot hear, leading to fatalities in nearly three-quarters of cases. Mon, 16 Jan 2012 20:05:05 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120116200559.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120116095838.htm Fewer children required hospitalization following a drowning incident over the last two decades, according to a new study. According to the study, pediatric hospitalizations from drowning-related incidents declined 51 percent from 1993 to 2008. The rates declined significantly for all ages and for both genders, although drowning-related hospitalizations remained higher for boys at every age. Mon, 16 Jan 2012 09:58:58 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120116095838.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113211011.htm A new study includes some unexpected findings about the immune systems of smoke-inhalation patients. Fri, 13 Jan 2012 21:10:10 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120113211011.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109102302.htm Could heading the ball in soccer lead to degenerative brain disease, like that seen in athletes in other sports? Mon, 09 Jan 2012 10:23:23 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120109102302.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120106105923.htm Although more patients with abdominal gunshot and stab wounds can successfully forego emergency “exploratory” surgery and its potential complications, new research suggests that choosing the wrong patients for this “watchful waiting” approach substantially increases their risk of death from these injuries. Fri, 06 Jan 2012 10:59:59 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2012/01/120106105923.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111209150154.htm Terrorist attacks with chemical weapons are a real possibility, according to a new study. Thanks to their extensive knowledge of toxic agents, and how to treat those who have been exposed, pharmacists are an invaluable resource in the event of an actual or potential chemical weapons attack. Fri, 09 Dec 2011 15:01:01 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111209150154.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207132912.htm Serious traumatic injuries, including major burns, set off a "genomic storm" in human immune cells, altering around 80 percent of the cells' normal gene expression patterns. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:29:29 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207132912.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207113550.htm Treating 'brain tsunamis' or 'killer waves' could stop many victims of major head injury from suffering additional brain damage, a study has found. Scientists have been investigating this phenomenon for decades, with the topic of spreading depolarizations now of keen interest to the U.S. military because head injuries have emerged as the signature wound of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Wed, 07 Dec 2011 11:35:35 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111207113550.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205170057.htm In a new study, researchers analyzed the prevalence of headaches three and 12 months after mild, moderate or severe traumatic brain injury in children ages 5 to 17, and discovered the risk of headache was higher in adolescents (ages 13 to 17) and in girls. Mon, 05 Dec 2011 17:00:00 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/12/111205170057.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111108094421.htm A new study found that spinal bleeding is found often in young children who are victims of abusive trauma. The findings support performing complete spine imaging for children undergoing brain magnetic resonance imaging for moderate or severe traumatic brain injury and suggest a pathway for distinguishing between abusive and accidental injury. Tue, 08 Nov 2011 09:44:44 EST http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111108094421.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111105153304.htm Old-fashioned "leatherhead" football helmets from the early 1900s are often as effective as -- and sometimes better than -- modern football helmets at protecting against injuries during routine, game-like collisions, according to researchers. Sat, 05 Nov 2011 15:33:33 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/11/111105153304.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111028082706.htm Italian and Spanish scientists studying the use of stem cells for treating spinal cord injuries have provided the first evidence to show that meninges, the membrane which envelops the central nervous system, is a potential source of self-renewing stem cells. The research develops the understanding of cell activation in central nervous system injuries; advancing research into new treatments for spinal injuries and degenerative brain disorders. Fri, 28 Oct 2011 08:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111028082706.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026102740.htm Researchers who spoke to nearly 2,000 teenagers three months after an 8.0 earthquake found high level of post-traumatic stress disorder, especially among girls and senior students. The findings underline the need for young people to receive prompt psychological support after major disasters to avoid them developing long-term mental health problems. The study may be of particular interest to journalists doing follow-up pieces on the aftermath of the Turkish earthquake. Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:27:27 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111026102740.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111018111934.htm Alcohol-related fatal motor vehicle crashes in the US are much lower among drivers with Canadian licenses than drivers with US or Mexican licenses. Research from other countries finds foreign drivers are at greater risk of crashes than native drivers. In contrast, this study shows that drivers licensed in Mexico and Canada who were involved in fatal crashes in the US had the same or less alcohol impairment than US-licensed drivers. Tue, 18 Oct 2011 11:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111018111934.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017092229.htm From 1999 to 2007, there were 185,950 emergency department visits in the U.S. for firearm injuries in children aged 0 to 19 years. A new study provides an overview of these injuries, including a variety of risk factors including age, race, hospital location, and insurance type. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017092229.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017092035.htm As all-terrain vehicle (ATV) use continues to grow, so does the number of injuries. Children comprise about one-third of the 130,000 to 150,000 ATV-related emergency department visits each year and one-quarter of the more than 800 deaths. In fact, more children are injured from ATV crashes each year than from bicycles. Two new studies provide insights into the potential causes of ATV crashes as well as much-needed safety precautions. Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111017092035.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111016212014.htm White children are far more likely to receive cranial computed tomography scans in an emergency department following minor head trauma than are African-American or Hispanic children, a new study has found. Sun, 16 Oct 2011 21:20:20 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111016212014.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111015094017.htm Less than half of pediatric car passengers suffering injuries from motor vehicle crashes were restrained, with the lowest rates among blacks, Hispanics and Native Americans, according to a new research. Sat, 15 Oct 2011 09:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111015094017.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111014080524.htm African-American and Hispanic children are less likely to receive a cranial computed tomography scan in an emergency department following minor head trauma than white children, according to new research. Fri, 14 Oct 2011 08:05:05 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111014080524.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111010104045.htm Two postgraduate students from Northern Ireland have completed the first phase of a pioneering trip to assist in the treatment of psychological distress among child soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Mon, 10 Oct 2011 10:40:40 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111010104045.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111007113941.htm A new study has found evidence that a specific gene is linked to suicidal behavior, adding to our knowledge of the many complex causes of suicide. This research may help doctors one day target the gene in prevention efforts. Fri, 07 Oct 2011 11:39:39 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111007113941.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111006173614.htm New research based on post-hospital arrival data from U.S. trauma centers finds that even after adjusting for differences in injury severity, gun use, and other likely causes of race difference in death from assault, African-Americans have a significantly higher overall post-scene of injury mortality rate than whites. Thu, 06 Oct 2011 17:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111006173614.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111005170723.htm Closures of hospital trauma centers are disproportionately affecting poor, uninsured and African-American populations, and nearly a fourth of Americans are now forced to travel farther than they once did. Wed, 05 Oct 2011 17:07:07 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111005170723.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111005111355.htm A tracheostomy performed within the first seven days after a severe head injury results in better overall patient outcome, according to new research. This is especially true for patients who have a greater chance of surviving when admitted to the hospital. Wed, 05 Oct 2011 11:13:13 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111005111355.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004113800.htm Scientists say that a single extra dose of cortisone -- which the body naturally produces just after a traumatic event -- reduces the chance that an individual will develop PTSD by 60 percent. Tue, 04 Oct 2011 11:38:38 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/10/111004113800.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921120037.htm Administration of cannabinoids (in the form of synthetic marijuana) after experiencing a traumatic event blocks the development of post-traumatic stress disorder-like symptoms in rats, according to a rat study conducted by researchers in Israel. Wed, 21 Sep 2011 12:00:00 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921120037.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921093604.htm When the World Trade Center's Twin Towers collapsed on Sept. 11, 2011, one of the most critical challenges that first responders faced was cutting through concrete to get to victims trapped. A new tool has been developed to help rescue those trapped beneath concrete. Wed, 21 Sep 2011 09:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110921093604.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110912075536.htm In Austria, the number of autopsies carried out has fallen over the past 20 years from 35 per cent to 17 per cent, thus distorting the official number of suicides. This is also demonstrated in a recent study involving data from 35 countries taken from suicide statistics. Mon, 12 Sep 2011 07:55:55 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110912075536.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110903133626.htm Hospital emergency departments saw over 20,000 injuries due to air and paintball guns in 2008, according to the latest figures. This represents a 20 percent decrease in emergency room visits for injuries caused by air and paintball guns from 2006. Sat, 03 Sep 2011 13:36:36 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/09/110903133626.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110831205948.htm Experts have written an review article on the treatment of adult victims of sexual assault in an acute care setting. Wed, 31 Aug 2011 20:59:59 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110831205948.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110830144520.htm Violence from an intimate partner does not just brutalize a victim physically; exposure to violence can result in disproportionately higher rates of mental health distress, according to a new policy brief. Researchers found that of the 3.5 million Californians who reported experiencing intimate partner violence, more than half a million also reported recent symptoms of "serious psychological distress," such as anxiety or depression. Tue, 30 Aug 2011 14:45:45 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110830144520.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110830091107.htm Men are nearly twice as likely as women to use a method that disfigures the face or head when taking their own lives. Tue, 30 Aug 2011 09:11:11 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110830091107.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110829131258.htm Death following severe traumatic brain injury is associated with a highly variable incidence of withdrawal of life support at the end of life, finds a new study. Rates of withdrawal of life support vary between hospitals, and caution should be used in making this decision, the study states. Mon, 29 Aug 2011 13:12:12 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110829131258.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110825152501.htm Providing access to an outpatient clinic isn't enough to keep some trauma patients who have been discharged from the hospital from returning to the emergency department for follow-up care, even for such minor needs as pain medication refills and dressing changes, according to new research. Thu, 25 Aug 2011 15:25:25 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110825152501.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822121718.htm Efforts to improve traffic safety have been aided by mathematical models that allow researchers to better assess those factors that impact the degree of injury suffered as a result of traffic crashes, researchers say. Mon, 22 Aug 2011 12:17:17 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822121718.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822102101.htm While traumatic brain injury was known to be a risk factor for Parkinson's disease (PD), no one knew why. Now scientists have found the mechanism for this elevated, long-term risk that is caused by TBI -- the loss of a specific type of neuron that is known to cause PD. Mon, 22 Aug 2011 10:21:21 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822102101.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822101931.htm Approximately 5,200 children and adolescents 17 years of age and younger were treated in US emergency departments each year from 1990 through 2008 for injuries sustained due to falls from windows. This translates to approximately 14 children being injured as the result of a window fall every day in the US. Mon, 22 Aug 2011 10:19:19 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110822101931.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815162237.htm Implementing a command-directed casualty response system appears to be associated with reducing battlefield casualties, including killed-in-action deaths, casualties who died of wounds, and preventable combat deaths, according to a new report. Mon, 15 Aug 2011 16:22:22 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110815162237.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110812120920.htm A new study reveals that the World Trade Center attacks affected the health of the New York City Fire Department resulting in more post-9/11 retirements than expected. Fri, 12 Aug 2011 12:09:09 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110812120920.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110810093739.htm Should lower leg strains and sprains take up valuable ER time and resources? According to a new American study strains and sprains account for over a third of lower extremity injuries treated at emergency departments. They reason that because these problems are not life-threatening, perhaps telephone triage and scheduled care appointments might be a better use of precious emergency health care resources. Wed, 10 Aug 2011 09:37:37 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110810093739.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802162322.htm Residents of Sri Lanka who were internally displaced during the civil conflict that occurred in their country from 1983 to 2009 have a higher prevalence of war-related mental health conditions that include depression, anxiety and posttraumatic stress disorder, according to a new study. Tue, 02 Aug 2011 16:23:23 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110802162322.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110801160229.htm Researchers have discovered a mechanism in the brain that explains for the first time why people make particularly strong, long-lasting memories of stressful events in their lives. Mon, 01 Aug 2011 16:02:02 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110801160229.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110801134731.htm Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the United States. Every year millions of Americans think about taking their own lives. Sadly, each year tens of thousands die by suicide. While suicides can be a shock to family and friends, some warning signs exist. Mon, 01 Aug 2011 13:47:47 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/08/110801134731.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110728162622.htm Suffering a trauma to the brain may increase the risk of stroke tenfold within three months, according to new research. This is the first study to show a direct correlation between traumatic brain injury and stroke. Researchers suggest neuroimaging, intensive monitoring and stroke education for anyone incurring a traumatic brain injury. Thu, 28 Jul 2011 16:26:26 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110728162622.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110726190104.htm A high school football player's broken neck -- from which he's recovered -- has yielded breakthrough biomechanical data on cervical spine injuries that could ultimately affect safety and equipment standards for athletes. Tue, 26 Jul 2011 19:01:01 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110726190104.htm http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110721095834.htm A dolphin's ability to heal quickly from a shark bite with apparent indifference to pain, resistance to infection, hemorrhage protection, and near-restoration of normal body contour might provide insights for the care of human injuries, according to experts. Researchers interviewed dolphin handlers/marine biologists, and reviewed the limited literature about dolphin healing to offer some new observations. Thu, 21 Jul 2011 09:58:58 EDT http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/07/110721095834.htm