Not too long ago, a well-known stage actress and sometime film actress, Natasha Richardson died of head injuries sustained from a fall while skiing with her family.  What was shocking to most people was the severity of her fall.  She had only lightly bumped her head on the ground. How could anyone suffer from a fatal injury from a seemingly minor bump on the head? Her specific condition was called an epidural hematoma. 

Approximately 1.4 million people sustain a brain injury annually according the National Center of Disease Control. 

Elderly people can suffer from any type of fall that can result in a fatality or long-term permanent injury. Here are a few facts:

• TBIs are usually caused by falls.  
• People aged 75 or older are at most risk
• TBIs caused by falls can be prevented by better prevention techniques and practices.
• Falls increase with age 
• Other risks include: falls for medication, visual impairment, other medical conditions, improper footware, orthopedic problems, etc. 

It’s easy to misread the signs and symptoms of head injury in seniors as normal aging or other  medical conditions. However,  it’s important to know what to look for. The best cure for head injury is prevention, and older people especially should actively minimize risks of falling. Should a fall occur, immediate medical attention should be sought, including screening for TBI.

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