5 Things Everyone Should Know About Falls and Concussions

(BPT) - Five million people go to the emergency department for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in the U.S. each year, but more than half of people who suspect they have a concussion never get it checked.^[1],[2] A main reason for this is that people aren’t familiar with the common causes and symptoms of concussions, and unfortunately, there are a lot of myths out there. One especially dangerous myth is that concussions only happen to athletes. Most concussions occur when people fall while doing everyday activities — such as falling while taking a shower or tripping on a toy at home. These types of falls account for nearly half of all concussions in the U.S.^[3] And while concussions can happen to anyone, rates of concussions increase significantly in older adults.

Abbott, the developer of a rapid test for the assessment of concussions, and the National Council on Aging (NCOA) want to share five things everyone should know about concussions and falls prevention.

1. Concussions can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime.

Concussions can result from almost anything when the brain moves in ways it shouldn’t. While falls are the most common cause, concussions can also be caused by a hit to the head or jolts (think: a car crash or whiplash).

Dr. Beth McQuiston is a neuroscientist, licensed physician, registered dietitian and medical director for Abbott’s diagnostics business. She wants everyone to know the importance of getting your head checked if you think you’ve sustained a concussion.

“The brain is literally everything that makes you, you. It holds memories of the people we love, the songs we can’t stop listening to, and the information we need for work and life, so we should treat it with the utmost respect. Concussions may be an invisible injury, but it’s just as important to immediately seek care for a concussion as you would for a broken bone,” said McQuiston.

2. Older adults are at an increased risk for falls and concussions.

Falls are the leading cause of injuries for older Americans and can have serious, life-threatening consequences, including concussions.^[4] The latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that people age 75+ have the highest numbers and rates of TBI-related hospitalizations and deaths compared to other age groups.^[5] Furthermore, older adults have a higher risk for severe outcomes following a concussion, including strokes.^[6],[7]

Many people think falls are a normal part of aging, but most falls can be prevented, and everyone has the power to reduce the risk.

NCOA leads the National Falls Prevention Resource Center, which supports awareness and educational efforts about falls, and promotes evidence-based falls prevention programs and strategies across the nation. Kathleen Cameron is senior director of NCOA’s Center for Healthy Aging, and she wants to increase awareness of fall risks and how to prevent them.

“Every 11 seconds in the U.S., an older adult is treated in the emergency room due to a fall. Falls and concussions threaten the safety and independence of older Americans. But practical lifestyle adjustments such as regular exercise, making sure your vision and hearing are checked annually and keeping your home safe from tripping hazards can substantially reduce falls,” said Cameron.

Visit NCOA’s website for more tips on falls prevention and healthy aging.

3. Recognize the symptoms of concussions.

Despite the widespread prevalence of concussions, most adults can’t identify the common signs. A common myth about concussions is that all concussions result in a loss of consciousness, but that isn’t the case.^[8]

It’s important to recognize the following symptoms if you experience a head injury:

• Changes in emotions
• Changes to sleep patterns
• Clumsiness
• Dizziness or feeling off-balance
• Exhaustion
• Headaches
• Memory Loss
• Mental fog or concentration problems
• Nausea or vomiting
• Numbness or tingling
• Personality changes or irritability
• Sensitivity to noise or light
• Loss of consciousness
• Slowed reaction time
• Vision issues
• Vomiting

For more symptoms and information, visit Concussion Awareness Now.

4. You should never just “walk it off.”

When it comes to concussion, it’s never best to “wait and see.” For your best chance at a full recovery, seek professional medical help immediately.

If you hit your head, remember these steps:

• Stop: Slow down, take a breath. Then, take a moment to assess.
• Look for symptoms: Some symptoms like headaches or nausea or vomiting might not show up immediately, and other warning signs like dizziness or feeling off-balance may not appear for hours or even days after an injury.
• Get it checked: It’s important to be cautious. If you have even the slightest suspicion of a concussion, seek medical attention.

5. Concussion evaluation is evolving and doesn’t always require a CT scan.

Concussions can be evaluated in several ways, most often including a physical evaluation and a series of questions. A physician will look for physical symptoms, such as balance and vision issues, and then ask questions that might help uncover other potential symptoms, such as memory loss and slowed reaction time.

Unfortunately, this process is subjective, as a physician must make a diagnosis decision based on their evaluation of the situation. In patients where symptoms aren’t obvious (think: a patient with memory loss being asked if they’ve forgotten anything), this approach to diagnosis isn’t always effective. CT scans and MRIs are often conducted when a concussion is suspected, but these scans are used to detect brain bleeds and can’t identify other concussion symptoms.^[9]

The good news is that major advancements are happening in evaluating mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Abbott's i-STAT TBI cartridge — a simple blood test — received clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a prescription use only test to help physicians assess patients with suspected mTBI at the patient's bedside.^[10] The test can share lab-quality results in just 15 minutes and is cleared for use in anyone 18 years and older. The test measures the level of two biomarkers associated with brain injury in the blood stream to assist in determining the need for a CT scan of the head within 24 hours of head trauma. Based on the test results and an overall patient evaluation, a physician may be able to quickly rule out the need for a CT scan of the head, allowing patients to be sent home sooner without unnecessary exposure to radiation or delays. Find more information about the test and brain health here.

Abbott is working with hospitals around the globe and the Concussion Awareness Now braintrust of partners to make concussion testing widely available to ensure everyone can get the best possible care. Because concussions can happen to anyone, it is vital that everyone knows the risks, what symptoms to watch out for, and how to respond if you may have experienced a concussion. Remember these five things to ensure you and your loved ones are protecting your heads and, ultimately, your health:

• Concussions can happen to anyone, anywhere, anytime.
• Older adults are at an increased risk for falls and concussions.
• It’s important to recognize the symptoms of concussions.
• You should never just “walk it off.”
• Concussion evaluation is evolving and doesn’t always require a CT scan.