Brain Injury Awareness Month: Brain Injuries in Seniors

March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, an annual month-long observation to promote awareness and education on preventing brain injuries. With hospitalization rates for traumatic brain injuries (TBI) being the highest for older adults, seniors and their loved ones must take the proper measures to reduce their risk.

Keep reading to learn more about traumatic brain injuries in seniors, as well as practical tips to stay safe.

What Is a Traumatic Brain Injury?

Traumatic brain injuries are typically caused by a violent jolt or blow to your body or head, such as falls and motor vehicle accidents. Symptoms of a traumatic brain injury can range from moderate to severe and include:

Dizziness
Blurred vision
Confusion
Headaches
Change in sleep patterns
Behavioral or mood changes
Difficulty with memory, attention, thinking, or concentration
Ringing in the ears
A bad taste in the mouth
Brief loss of consciousness
Seizures or convulsions
Loss of coordination
Dilated pupils

It’s essential to recognize these symptoms to ensure you or your loved one receive prompt medical care following a traumatic brain injury.

Why Are Seniors More at Risk for TBI?

As we age, we can develop health conditions that lead to a loss of balance, vision changes, and reduced mobility. These increase the risk of slips, trips, and falls. Some medications can also make older adults feel groggy and dizzy or impair their cognitive functioning, making them more susceptible to falls.

Seniors with cognitive issues or slow reaction times who still drive are also more likely to be in auto accidents, leading to brain injuries.

Common Traumatic Brain Injuries in Seniors

The most common types of traumatic brain injuries in older adults include:

Concussions: These happen when your brain is shaken or jolted, causing temporary disruption of brain function.
Contusions: These are bruises to the brain that are generally caused by direct blows to the head from falls or car crashes.
Hematomas: Blood clots in the brain can be caused by auto accidents, falls, and other types of physical trauma.
Diffuse axonal injuries: These injuries happen when your brain is rotated or shaken suddenly, damaging nerve fibers.

How Are Traumatic Brain Injuries Treated?

Immediate medical care is paramount if you suffer a traumatic brain injury. Your doctor may recommend the following treatment options following an exam:

Medication to manage pain, sleep disruptions, and headaches
Limited cognitive and physical activities
Physical, occupational, or speech therapy
Surgery for hematomas, penetrating injuries, or skull fractures

Preventing TBI in Older Adults

Use these tips to reduce your risk of traumatic brain injuries:

Keep high-traffic areas of your home clutter-free to reduce falls
Install grab bars in showers or near toilets
Use non-slip rugs and mats throughout the house
Install bright lighting in entryways, stairways, and outside areas
Take periodic driving assessments to evaluate your driving skills
Never drive after taking meds that may make you dizzy
Hire an in-home caregiver for safe and reliable transportation

Visiting Angels of Wilkes-Barre Keeps Seniors Safe

Hiring an in-home caregiver is an effective way to reduce your risk of TBI. Visiting Angels of Wilkes-Barre, PA, provides 24-hour home care services to seniors throughout Wilkes-Barre, Forty Fort, Mountain Top, Dallas, and the surrounding areas.

We can drive you to appointments, ensure your house is tidy and clutter-free, and notify medical professionals in an emergency.