For those in their senior years, an accident – whether it’s a car crash or a fall – can cause more serious injuries than it might for a younger person. Bones are more likely to fracture, for example. Older people are also more likely to have past injuries to bones, muscles or joints that are exacerbated by new injuries.
What many people don’t realize is that traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can also be more serious for older people than for younger ones. Since the risk of suffering a TBI generally increases with age, that’s important to know. Part of this is that people are more likely to fall as they age, and over 80% of those 65 and older suffer TBIs when they fall. Too often, they prove to be fatal.
Why are older brains more vulnerable?
As people age, their brains shrink somewhat. That shrinkage may have a mild effect on a person’s memory, intelligence or cognition, but normal shrinkage doesn’t lead to dementia. That shrinkage does create more space between the brain and the skull that protects it. That means it’s more likely to move inside the skull if a person strikes their head or is suddenly shaken, as in a car crash.
Another change that occurs with age is that the veins connecting the brain and skull shrink and tighten. This makes them more likely to be damaged in an accident and to result in bleeding in the brain. Common medications for arthritis and high blood pressure can also increase the likelihood of bleeding, which is known as a subdural hematoma.
A subdural hematoma can be fatal if it’s not quickly treated. That’s just one reason why it’s especially crucial for seniors to get a medical evaluation after any kind of head trauma, even if they feel fine.
It’s important to understand that an older person has just as much right to seek compensation for their medical expenses and other damages if their injuries were caused by someone else’s actions or negligence as anyone else. That doesn’t mean they might not face pushback. Getting legal guidance as early as possible can make all the difference in getting a fair settlement.