They resulted in 8,000 deaths, 56,000 hospitalizations for those 65 and older, CDC reports
MONDAY, June 23 (HealthDay News) -- In 2005, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) due to falls resulted in nearly 8,000 deaths and 56,000 hospitalizations among Americans age 65 and older, according to a U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention study.
TBIs accounted for 50 percent of all unintentional fall deaths and 8 percent of nonfatal fall-related hospitalizations among older adults.
As people age, their risk of falling increases due to a number of factors such as mobility problems due to muscle weakness or poor balance, loss of sensation in feet, chronic health problems, vision changes or loss, medication side effects or drug interactions, and domestic hazards such as clutter and poor lighting, according to background information in the study.
"Most people think older adults may only break their hip when they fall, but our research shows that traumatic brain injuries can also be a serious consequence. These injuries can cause long-term problems and affect how someone thinks or functions. They can also impact a person's emotional well-being," Dr. Ileana Arias, director of the CDC's National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, said in a prepared statement.
TBIs, caused by a blow or bump to the head, may be missed or misdiagnosed among older adults.
In this study, researchers analyzed data from the National Center for Health Statistics' National Vital Statistics System and the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality's Nationwide Inpatient Sample.
Among the findings:
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