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| Contact: Christine Hill 612-873-5719 |
03/12/08 |
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), traumatic brain injury (TBI) in adults 75 and older is often caused by falls, resulting in the highest rates of TBI-related hospitalizations and death. That's why the Traumatic Brain Injury Center at Hennepin County Medical Center is partnering with the Brain Injury Association of Minnesota and the CDC to raise awareness about preventing, recognizing and responding to fall-related traumatic brain injuries in older adults.
"More than one third of elderly adults fall each year in the United States. Last year 156 people over the age of 75 were admitted to Hennepin for injuries due to a fall. Thirty percent of those patients sustained a traumatic brain injury," states Hennepin's TBI Program Coordinator Carol Ann Smith, RN, CNRN. "This type of injury in older adults can limit independent living or increase the risk of early death. People over the age of 75 who fall are four to five times more likely to be admitted to a long term care facility."
"Many understand that hip fractures are a very real danger associated with falls," says Smith. "But people are surprised to learn how many older adults experience a brain injury when they fall. Symptoms such as confusion, problems with memory and loss of balance that can occur after a brain injury may be dismissed as a natural effect of aging and often overlooked, but statistics show that they may also be the result of a brain injury."
As the population of older Americans continues to grow and more adults are caring for aging parents, relatives and friends, safety is a very real concern, and a fall can have devastating consequences.
Hennepin patient Jean Zera, age 79, sustained a TBI after falling down the stairs at her Eagan home in 2005. "I was reaching for the light switch, and the next thing I remember is falling down the entire flight of stairs - headfirst." She struck her head on the wooden post at the bottom of the stairwell, causing swelling and pain. She was examined at her clinic, but initially didn't appear to have any other obvious injuries. However, later she began experiencing severe headaches, hand tremors and short-term memory loss.
Zera's son recognized the signs of TBI and brought her to the Mild to Moderate Brain Injury Clinic at Hennepin County Medical Center, where an interdisciplinary team coordinated her care. Today, her symptoms have decreased in severity, and she wants others to know how important it is to do what is necessary to avoid head injuries.
"Now I have adequate lighting so I don't have to reach for the light switch," reports Zera.
Smith states "We're making dramatic advances in the care of people with brain injuries, but it's extremely important to do what we can to prevent falls to begin with."
The best way to prevent fall-related TBI is to identify risk factors that can cause them. This involves a complete health examination that includes an eye examination and medication review. In many cases, a home safety assessment is recommended to reduce hazards in the home that lead to falls. Comprehensive home safety assessments can provide peace of mind for both the patient and caregiver, and are often covered by insurance plans. It is also important to exercise regularly to help retain muscle tone and balance.
"This is an important issue and we're committed to doing what we can do help adults avoid traumatic brain injury and enjoy the later years of their lives," says Smith.
Headquartered in Minneapolis, the Brain Injury Association serves people throughout Minnesota. The Association employs a professional staff of 38 and hundreds of volunteers work to further our mission to enhance the quality of life and bring the promise of a better tomorrow for all people affected by brain injury.
Hennepin County Medical Center is a nationally recognized Level 1 Trauma Center offering a full spectrum of inpatient and outpatient services, including the Traumatic Brain Injury Center, Mild to Moderate Brain Injury Clinic and the Center for Senior Care.
For the eleventh year in a row, Hennepin County Medical Center is listed in the U.S. News & World Report rankings of the top U.S. Hospitals in its annual "America's Best Hospitals" report.
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