SATURDAY, Oct. 27, 2007 (HealthDay News) -- In 2006, an estimated 1.1 million people were treated at U.S. hospital emergency departments for head injuries related to common household products and settings such as ladders, steps, and showers, the federal Consumer Product Safety Commission reports.
The actual number of head injuries suffered by people in their homes is likely greater, since many injuries are treated at doctor's offices and immediate-care centers, or people don't seek any medical treatment, says the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS).
Many head injuries are caused by falls, which are the leading cause of death and serious injury among Americans 65 and older. Among older adults, falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injury, which account for 46 percent of fatal falls among older adults.
In addition, traumatic brain injury is the leading cause of death and severe injury in children who suffer falls.
Simple precautions can help prevent falls and serious or deadly head injuries, says the AANS, which offers the following safety tips:
More information
The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons has more about fall prevention.