Traumatic Brain Injury Due to Falls in Nursing Homes
According to the Center for Disease Control a traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious public health problem in the United States. Each year, traumatic brain injuries contribute to a substantial number of deaths and cases of permanent disability. Every year, at least 1.7 million TBIs occur either as an isolated injury or along with other injuries. A TBI is caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head or a penetrating head injury that disrupts the normal function of the brain. Not all blows or jolts to the head result in a TBI. The severity of a TBI may range from “mild,” i.e., a brief change in mental status or consciousness to “severe,” i.e., an extended period of unconsciousness or amnesia after the injury. The majority of TBIs that occur each year are concussions or other forms of mild TBI.
Severe Brain Injury
In another article from CDC titled: Severe Traumatic Brain Injury – TBI is a contributing factor to a third (30.5%) of all injury-related deaths in the United States.1 On average, approximately 1.7 million people sustain a traumatic brain injury annually.
The prevention of falls which according to the CDC is the leading cause of TBI is crucial. People over the age of 75 have the highest rates of TBI- related hospitalizations and deaths. It is imperative that caregivers are trained on how to recognize the signs of a TBI (such as a subdural hematoma) after a fall injury occurs; and take appropriate interventions to ensure the resident receives necessary medical care without delay.
The CDC offers the following Materials for the Prevention and Identification of Brain Injury, including the following: “Preventing Traumatic Brain Injury in Older Adults: Information for Family Members and Other Caregivers”, Booklet for Older Adults “Preventing Traumatic Brain Injury in Older Adults”, “TBI is a Special Health Concern or Older Adults” and “Fall-related TBI Prevention Steps”.
If you have questions related to abuse and neglect in a nursing home or other elder care facility contact Attorney Kenneth LaBore for a free consultation at 612-743-9048 or by email at klabore@MNnursinghomeneglect.com
