For seniors (those around 65 and older), even what may appear to be a minor injury can be potentially serious – or even life threatening. That’s one reason it’s critical to get a full medical evaluation after a car accident, fall or any kind of traumatic physical event.
Brain injuries are among those most overlooked by seniors. If someone falls on poorly maintained steps or has been involved in a car crash where their head struck something or was even shaken back and forth, they may think that if they didn’t lose consciousness, they must be fine. That’s not always the case.
It’s not uncommon to suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI) without realizing it. Older adults and their loved ones may chalk up the symptoms, including confusion or mood changes, to their age. In fact, they can be signs of a TBI.
A TBI is also more likely to result in internal bleeding in seniors than in younger people. There are multiple reasons for that. For example, many people start taking blood thinners to lower their blood pressure as they get older. While these can be effective in reducing heart attack and stroke risk, they can also increase bleeding in the brain after an injury.
The brain changes with age
Another reason older people are at greater risk if they suffer a TBI is the physical changes that occur to the brain with age. For example, the brain itself shrinks somewhat. That typically doesn’t affect intelligence or cognition, but it does create more space between the skull and the brain. That gives the brain more space to move if it strikes something or is jolted. Further, the bridging veins that connect the brain to the skull shrink, which makes them more susceptible to damage.
It’s always crucial for seniors to get a thorough medical evaluation after any kind of head injury to get any potentially serious injury diagnosed and treated. If an injury was the result of someone else’s intentional actions or negligence, this can also help provide crucial evidence to help victims pursue compensation from any at-fault parties. Getting experienced legal guidance is a good first step forward in this regard.
