Older Adults, Babies Most Vulnerable to Preventable Head Injuries Suffered at Home

Accidental falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injury among Americans of all ages according to the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS). And among Americans aged 65 and older, falls are the leading cause of fatal injuries. Among older adults, traumatic brain injury (TBI) causes nearly 50% of fall-related fatalities. In 2008, nearly 8.6 million Americans suffered accidental falls according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Consumer Product Safety Commission statistics indicate that an estimated 1.5 million people are treated for head injuries and nearly 12,000 are treated for neck fractures every year at U.S. hospital emergency rooms.

"Many head injuries occur at one's residence—whether it is a home or a nursing facility—and involve falling and bumping one's head, resulting in mild concussions to severe and even fatal TBIs, says Gail L. Rosseau, MD, a Chicago neurosurgeon and AANS spokesperson. According to the AANS, people aged 65 and older and babies/toddlers under the age of 4 are the most vulnerable.

Among people aged 55 and older, 129,015 were treated for head injuries related to flooring. And in that same age demographic, there were 22,347 head injuries attributed to wheelchairs and 16,075 attributed to canes, crutches, and walkers. Most of the head injuries related to these products occur as the result of falling and hitting one's head on the floor, while a lesser number involve trauma to the head when it strikes a piece of furniture or part of the home structure, such as a door or countertop.

Taking a few minutes to make simple changes around the home can help prevent falls and potentially life-altering or even fatal head injuries. The AANS offers these fall/head injury prevention tips:

Inside the Home
- Secure loose electrical cords and put away items that are lying around.
- Do not use recalled products—discard or take back to the store.
- Keep chairs and other furniture away from windows.
- Buy bath mats and rugs with slip-resistant backing.
- Secure rugs and lift them periodically to inspect the backing for wear.
- Do not walk on slippery, freshly washed floors and avoid floor waxes.
- Install grab bars and handrails for frail elders.
- Improve the lighting in the home; dim lighting can increase the risk of falls.
- Install night lights in halls and bathrooms, and keep a flashlight near your bed.
- Store products in easy-to-reach places; use stepstools/ladders only when absolutely necessary.
- Check all stair railings and steps.
- Do not wear any clothing that can interfere with vision.
- Wear proper shoes with slip-resistant soles.

Outside the Home
- Remove ice and snow from trafficked areas.
- Inspect and remove debris from walkways, driveways, porches, and yards.
- Inspect and remove debris from lawns before mowing or gardening.
- Store outdoor equipment properly.
- Make sure that ladders are stable and secure before using them.

— Source: American Association of Neurological Surgeons