Neurosurgeon Reveals 4 Things to 'Absolutely Avoid' After Working in Trauma

Dr. Brian Hoeflinger, a neurosurgeon in Toledo, Ohio, driven by personal loss, has issued a warning to the public: avoid alcohol, staying out late, not wearing seat belts, and neglecting situational awareness. These recommendations, he says, are essential for reducing the risk of severe injuries and fatalities—tragedies that he frequently encounters in his practice.

Hoeflinger told Newsweek: "If I can change one life for the better, then maybe that one person will go on to change the world for the better, too. The overwhelming responses to my videos are very humbling, but at the same time, very motivational for me.

"I want to help people understand the most-common predisposing factors that I typically see which cause injury, and that I see frequently when I'm on trauma call for head and spine trauma.

"I want people to understand that common practices and activities that many of us do can lead to injury and tragic outcomes," he added.

Hoeflinger has dedicated over 25 years to treating patients with traumatic brain and spinal injuries. He shared his insights on social media, stressing the critical nature of these often-overlooked behaviors.

"Without a doubt, alcohol is number one," Hoeflinger stated in an Instagram video from May 26. "So many cases I see when I'm on trauma call are related to alcohol."

Sadly, his commitment to raising awareness about alcohol consumption stems from personal tragedy.

"My oldest son Brian died at the age of 18 in a drunk-driving accident 11 years ago," Hoeflinger, who published a book on his loss, said. "Brian's death has been by far the single most difficult experience of my entire life."

The neurosurgeon added that Brian's death changed his life, forever. The link between alcohol and traumatic injuries has been well documented, with numerous studies showing that alcohol impairs judgment and motor skills, leading to a higher incidence or probability of accidents and injuries.

After naming alcohol consumption the foremost human-made hazard to beware, Hoeflinger moved on to late nights, saying that, "nothing good ever happens after midnight."

He said that many incidents, including fights and accidents, occur in the late hours when people are more likely to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs and less vigilant about their safety.

Hoeflinger's journey into neurosurgery had been deeply personal. His older brother Eric's catastrophic car accident in 1982, which resulted in severe brain injury, inspired him to switch his major from marine biology and pursue a career in neurosurgery.

"That experience when I was only 18 years old changed the course of my life. I knew that I needed to become a neurosurgeon," Hoeflinger said.

Hoeflinger also emphasized the importance of wearing seat belts, a simple yet often neglected safety measure.

"Whether you're the driver or the passenger, always wear your seat belt," Hoeflinger said. "I see so many injuries that could have been avoided if people would just put on their seat belts."

Despite widespread awareness campaigns, failure to wear seat belts remains a leading cause of death and serious injury in car accidents. A 2022 study from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration discovered that 25,420 passenger vehicle occupants were killed in that year, with about 50 percent of those killed not wearing a seat belt.

Lastly, Hoeflinger said viewers should be more aware of their surroundings, particularly the elderly who are at higher risk of falls.

"Pay attention to your surroundings. I can't tell you the number of people, especially elderly people, I see who accidentally fell down a flight of stairs and ended up paralyzed," Hoeflinger said.

Simple precautions like being mindful of obstacles and maintaining good lighting can significantly reduce the risk of such accidents.

Today, Hoeflinger leverages social media to reach a broader audience, amassing over 1.5 million followers across all major platforms where he is known as @doctorhoeflinger. He describes his mission as being to educate the public on the brain, spinal health, and injury prevention—drawing from both his professional expertise and personal experiences.

Other medical experts have taken to the post's comments section to add their own nuggets of advice.

"As a neuronurse, I would add, don't dive into unknown water," one user, @debbiberlon, wrote.

Another, @britt_rubenstein, added: "Trauma team member, never go just because the light turns green. Look both ways first."

"Having worked in the neurotrauma unit in Detroit, I would add a fifth to the list, 'do not ride a motorcycle'. So many things to avoid though, and I agree with everything on your list. Thank you for sharing," a third user, @lenutabunda, shared.

Hoeflinger lives with his wife, Cindy, and his remaining children in Toledo.

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