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| Contact: Christine Hill 612-873-5719 |
09/22/08 |
Reminder from Hennepin’s Traumatic Brain Injury experts not to “slip” when it comes to preventing falls
Minnesota Governor Tim Pawlenty has dedicated the first day of fall, September 22, as Fall Awareness Day. That’s why the experts at Hennepin County Medical Center’s Traumatic Brain Injury Program are reminding everyone of the devastating injuries that can occur from a simple fall – especially for older adults. Falls among Minnesota residents are the number one cause of deaths and hospitalization from an injury, and a majority of these injuries occur in the older population.
Falls are also the number one cause of Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) in the United States. Each year, an estimated 1.5 million people suffer traumatic brain injuries, many of these from falls. At Hennepin County Medical Center, approximately 2,000 patients are treated annually for TBI.
Family and caregivers of older adults can help keep the independence of their loved ones by taking precautions to prevent TBI, recognizing the signs and symptoms of a TBI and taking the proper action if a fall does occur. “There are many steps that can be taken to prevent these falls, especially for the older adult population,” states Carol Ann Smith, RN, CNRN Program Coordinator of the Traumatic Brain Injury Program at Hennepin. “A physician-approved exercise program will help older adults feel better and stronger. Making the home safer, reviewing medicines with a doctor and getting regular vision checks are some other ways to prevent falls.” Resources about TBI prevention and ways to make the home safer are available by visiting Hennepins’s website at www.hcmc.org/braininjury.
Hennepin County Medical Center is the states first Level 1 Trauma Center and a regional expert in providing TBI care.
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Fall Facts
- Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries.
- A brain injury happens when the brain moves back and forth inside the skull and gets bumped, bruised, or twisted.
- The main causes besides falls of TBIs are motor vehicle crashes, sports, fights, and bicycle crashes.
- People over the age of 75 have the highest rate of death and hospitalization from TBI.
- The only known cure for brain injuries is prevention. The more severe the injury, the longer it can take to heal.
- TBIs can range from mild to severe, but all injuries should be seen by a doctor.
- A mild TBI, otherwise known as a concussion, is the most common TBI in teenagers and young adults.
- An untreated concussion can lead to a much more serious brain injury later.
US Statistics about TBI
- 1.4 million estimated TBI each year
- 1.1 million treated & released from an Emergency Department
- 235,000 hospitalized
- 50,000 deaths
- 75% Mild TBI
- 5.3 million living with long term deficits (2% of the US population)
- Direct & indirect costs of $60 billion
- 10-20% of Iraq war veterans have a TBI (source CDC & BTF)
Prevention
- Always make sure everyone in the car is buckled up
- Never shake an infant or child
- Always wearing a protective helmet during recreational activities
- Don't drink and drive
- Make the home safer by finding slipping hazards and making items within reach.
- Seek medical attention if you're dazed or have lost consciousness during a sports/recreational activity
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