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Millions of Americans across the United States provide some form of care to an older adult. Whether you are a professional caregiver or take care of a parent, grandparent, other family member or close friend, it is important to understand what a traumatic brain injury or TBI is and how these serious injuries can be avoided.
A TBI is caused by an injury to the head that affects a brain’s normal functions. The number one cause of TBIs is a slip and fall or trip and fall accident. Unfortunately, this is a huge health concern for older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people over the age of 75 have the highest rates of hospitalizations and deaths as a result of TBIs. Those in this age bracket tend to recover more slowly and die more frequently from TBI-related injuries than compared to younger people.
TBIs can vary in severity, so it is important to familiarize yourself with the symptoms so that you can react accordingly. The symptoms associated with a mild TBI can include:
A person suffering a moderate or severe TBI may experience some of the above symptoms in addition to the following:
If you suspect that an older adult in your care has suffered a TBI, take them to a doctor right away. It should be noted that older adults taking blood thinners should seek medical attention immediately if they have endured a bump or blow to the head even if they are experiencing none of the above symptoms.
TBIs are entirely preventable. The best way to prevent a TBI in older adults, is to reduce the risks for slips, trips and falls. The CDC strongly recommends the following to keep those close to you safe from injury or death:
If you or your loved one has sustained a TBI due to a fall as the result of someone else’s negligence, a Citrus County Slip, Trip and Fall Accident Lawyer at Whittel & Melton can help you obtain the financial justice you deserve. We represent brain injury victims throughout Citrus County, including the cities of Inverness, Crystal River, Beverly Hills, Lecanto, Homosassa, Dunnellon, Hernando, Sugarmill Woods, Citrus Springs and Floral City. Contact us today online or call us anytime at 352-726-0078.