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Fall Accidents Major Cause of Brain Injury in Seniors

As many as one in eight seniors will suffer a traumatic brain injury, mainly as a result of a fall accident.

Researchers arrived at those findings recently through an analysis of Medicare data of more than 9,200 patients covering a period of 18 years.  They found that during this time, 13% of seniors above the age of 65   suffered a brain injury that resulted in a concussion.  Most of these personal injuries occurred during fall accidents.

The  researchers are calling the findings of the study “shocking” and  say that far too many seniors are living with  traumatic brain injuries that expose them to the risk of several health complications.  Brain injuries in seniors may cause other complications including dementia and Parkinson’s disease.  They  can also increase the risk of depression and anxiety in patients who are already at a high risk of such struggles.

Women seem   to have a much higher risk of suffering  brain injuries  as they age. Just about 58% of the subjects in the study were women, but they accounted for 64% of persons with a brain injury.  Interestingly,  white people and the wealthy were much more likely to suffer fall accidents.  The  researchers are attributing  this to the result of more active lifestyles in these groups which increase the risk of falls.  Disabled or wheelchair- bound seniors are less likely to suffer fall accidents.  Additionally, seniors  who suffer from cognitive impairments are also less likely to be active and  suffer, or be at a high risk of, fall accidents.  Seniors  are encouraged to be physically active to keep fit and agile.  Fitness programs like walking and other activities may expose seniors to the risk of falling.

The researchers  also believe that many persons from lower socioeconomic backgrounds or racial minorities  likely do not seek medical care for their injuries which may account for their lower representation in the results.     Earlier  studies have confirmed  that there are disparities based on wealth and socioeconomic status in the kind of care that people receive following a brain injury.

The results of the study point to the need for seniors to fall-proof their environment in order to reduce the risk of potential debilitating  head and brain injuries.  Special  care must be taken when seniors are out and about.  Look  out for debris or clutter on the floor,  wet patches  or puddles, and avoid using commercial spaces that do not have sufficient safety aids, like guardrails  and safe stairways in place.  Remember, a  fall accident can have more than just short term consequences  and may seriously impact the quality of your life.

The Atlanta slip and fall accident lawyers at Katz Personal Injury Lawyers are dedicated to the representation of persons who have suffered  injuries in slip and fall accidents in  the metro Atlanta region and across the state of Georgia.  If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a fall accident, talk to an attorney at our firm and discuss your legal options for a claim for damages.  You  may qualify for damages that include medical costs, lost income  and other types of compensation.   

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