Factors That Cause Senior Citizens to Have a Higher TBI Rate | Potential Warning Signs of a TBI
Data collected by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) consistently find that older Americans have a substantially higher risk of suffering a traumatic brain injury (TBI) than any other age group. The CDC reports that about 1/3rd of all TBI-related hospitalizations are of persons aged 75 or older. In addition, more than a quarter of all TBI-related deaths (28%) are among the same age group. Unfortunately, because seniors often suffer from other medical conditions, such as memory loss or dementia, a potential TBI can be missed.
Paying Attention for the Possibility of a TBI in an Older Person
One of the most important factors when watching out for a potential concussion or other TBI with an elderly person is knowledge of any medications they’re taking. Many older adults are prescribed blood thinners for a variety of reasons. In addition, many older people commonly use aspirin. With these medications, the risk of a brain bleed goes up substantially following any type of bump or blow to the head. As a result, what might be non-threatening to a younger person can be serious or even fatal in an older adult.
When a senior suffers any type of injury, whether in a fall or motor vehicle accident, they should immediately be evaluated for a potential TBI. It’s fairly common, when a senior falls and breaks a hip, to have a TBI as well. Often, a senior will try to hide the signs of a fall or other injury that may have caused a TBI. Among the things you should look for include:
- Cuts or bruising on the hands, head, or upper torso
- Difficulty with concentration or focus
- Restlessness or changes in sleep patterns
- Increased sensitivity to light, sound, or smell
Contact Us to Set Up an Appointment
At Advantage Healthcare Systems, we have extensive experience working successfully with individuals who suffer any type of concussion or other TBI. Call us toll-free at 1-877-487-8289 or fill out the form provided below to schedule an assessment. We offer locations across Texas, including Fort Worth, Dallas, and San Antonio.
