Older Adults and Traumatic Brain Injuries

It's no secret that older adults are prone to falls. Aging, unfortunately, has a way of stealing our coordination, leading to more tumbles. Falls aren't a minor matter, though. Older adults are the age group most at risk for traumatic brain injuries - and they're the group most likely to die from them.

What is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

The CDC defines a traumatic brain injury as an injury that affects how the brain functions. It's usually caused by a blow or a bump to the head, but it can be caused by a penetrating injury, like a gunshot. These injuries are sometimes called open TBIs. Common causes of traumatic brain injuries include car accidents, falls, and sports injuries.

There are three levels of TBI:

• Mild TBI - Mild traumatic brain injuries are called concussions. 75% of all TBIs fall into the mild range.

• Moderate TBI - This is considered a medical emergency and can cause long-term problems.

• Severe TBI - This is a medical emergency as well, obviously, and can be fatal. There are

• 190 TBI-related deaths every day.

  
  

Brain injuries are nothing to fool with. Some brain injuries, especially mild concussions, don't cause any long-term problems. However, severe injuries, or multiple, can lead to permanent and lifelong issues. TBIs can increase the likelihood of developing conditions like Alzheimer's, depression, and Parkinson's. If the injury is severe enough, it can cause lifelong disabilities or even death.

Signs of a Traumatic Brain Injury

Any injury to the head should be monitored, no matter how small. Brains are delicate organs! Be on the lookout for symptoms of a mild concussion versus a moderate or severe TBI. Below are signs according to the Cleveland Clinic.

Signs of a mild traumatic brain injury:

• Nausea or vomiting

• Headaches

• Dizziness

• Light sensitivity

• Fatigue or grogginess

• Confusion

• Blurred vision

• Short-term memory loss

  
  

Signs of a moderate or severe brain injury:

• Passing out for more than 30 minutes

• Problems with balance and coordination

• Hearing or vision problems

• Trouble communicating

• Weakness in arms or legs

• Impulsive behavior

• Aggression or agitation

Why TBIs Are Riskier For Older Brains

Those 75 years and older have the highest rates of TBI-related hospitalizations and death. It's a sobering statistic. Another one? 80% of TBIs in adults 65 years or older are caused by falls. Older adults get TBIs at staggering rates, and it's not from anything dramatic like car accidents. These brain injuries are from mere falls.

Why are falls so risky for older adults? Our bodies weaken with age. We lose muscle mass. Our vision fails. Balance and coordination decrease. These are all normal signs of aging, but they are also risk factors for falls.

Still, everyone falls, but not everyone suffers the brain injuries as older adults do. As we age, our brains actually shrink. Again, this is a normal symptom of getting older and affects everyone. A smaller brain, though, means a brain with more room to move and be jarred around after a hit. Likewise, certain medications, like blood thinners, increase the risk of a brain bleed, according to Yale Medicine.

Older adults are most at risk for brain injuries - and they are at risk of their injuries being missed or misdiagnosed. Unfortunately, so many indications of a TBI overlap with normal aging signs or symptoms of medical conditions like dementia, according to the CDC. As a result, seniors are the group most likely to be hospitalized or even die from TBIs.

How to Prevent Falls and Brain Injuries

TBIs in older adults are usually the result of falls - and they're happening in their own homes. The best way to prevent falls and brain injuries to make the home accessible and safe. Grab bars should be installed in areas known for fall risks, like bathrooms. Trip hazards (things like area rugs!) should be removed from high-traffic areas in rooms. Adding extra light sources to stairs can prevent slips too.

Healthy habits can also decrease the likelihood of falls. Keeping active with regular exercise can help improve balance and coordination. Stay up to date on your medical checkups because poor vision or hearing are risk factors for falls. Also, check with your doctor if any of your medications can cause dizziness or balance issues.

Conclusion

When it comes to falls and traumatic brain injuries, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as they say. Taking steps to make the home more accessible can help prevent falls. In the case of a brain injury happening, it's best to watch for signs of a medical emergency to avoid any long-term complications.

If you need accessibility modifications at home, Seniors Fix can install them for you! Call 240-744-0674 for a free consultation.