There are 1.4 million traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) in the U.S. annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. According to Dr. Michael Noir, approximately 5.3 million Americans (that’s almost 2% of the U.S. population) currently have a long-term or lifelong need for help as a result of a TBI. The estimated lifetime costs of brain injury (including direct medical costs and indirect costs such as lost productivity) totaled $60 billion in 2000 and has been on the rise ever since. Most TBIs are the result of a fall -- and every year, one in three Americans over the age of 65 falls.
This means that for seniors, the risk of TBI is serious. Fortunately, March is Brain Awareness Month, a time to focus on what we can do to prevent and treat TBIs.
Signs Of TBI
A TBI may not be obvious right away. A senior can sustain a serious brain injury without showing any signs of serious distress for days, or even weeks.
When a senior falls, he or she should be monitored closely for any signs of TBI, which include:
- Headache, especially one that gets worse or does not go away
- Confusion or trouble concentrating
- Memory problems
- Lightheadedness or dizziness
- Blurred vision or tired eyes
- Ringing in the ears
- Bad taste in the mouth
- Fatigue or lethargy
- Change in sleep patterns or extreme difficulty waking up
- Vomiting/nausea
- Pupil dilation
- Weakness or numbness in the extremities
Important note: the earlier TBI is detected, the better.
Brain trauma begins with the direct impact from a blow to the head, but it doesn’t end there. As the brain swells and blood flow changes, additional injuries can occur for days after the fall. These secondary injuries are often more serious than the initial damage to the brain.
Permanent disability or death can be avoided with early detection.
Even if you think a senior probably did not suffer any brain injury after a fall, it’s best to be proactive and act quickly. Ask a doctor for a TBI screening after any impact to the head.
Avoiding TBI
Since most TBIs occur from falls, preventing falls in seniors is the best way to prevent TBI. For tips, read our article, “Five Simple Ways to Help Seniors Avoid Falling”.
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