#76 - Causes of TBI in Older Adults

Falls are the #1 cause of a traumatic brain injury (TBI) in older adults. For ages 65-74, they account for approximately 55% of TBIs. For ages 75-85, they account for approximately 75% of TBIs.

Approximately 30% of older adults fall annually and 85% occur in the home.

The second leading cause of TBIs in older adults is motor vehicle accidents. There are more than 45 million licensed drivers ages 65 and older in the United States. Each day, almost 700 older adults are injured in car accidents.

They account for a greater percentage of TBIs in individuals ages 55-64, but this percentage decreases as individuals get older, likely due to less drivers.

The third leading cause of TBI for older adults is unknown. As much as 20% of TBIs in older adults is from unknown causes.

Learn more about providing concussion care to older adults and seniors in this online guide.