Did you know that 40% of concussions come from falls? Our own Teresa Hall and Becky Korosi recently presented statistics on concussions and head injuries to the Rural Metro Group in Tonawanda. The numbers related to the risk for falls, which was a profession-wide initiative in September.
What are signs of a concussion?
- Appears dazed or stunned
- Confused about assignment or position
- Forgets an instruction
- Is unsure of game, score, or opponent
- Moves clumsily
- Answers questions slowly
- Loses consciousness (even briefly)
- Shows mood, behavior, or personality changes
- Can’t recall events prior to hit or fall
- Can’t recall events after hit or fall
Concussion and Falls Statistics
- 40% of concussions are a result of falls
- 55% of traumatic brain injuries among children 0 to 14 years were caused by falls
- 81% of traumatic brain injuries in adults ages 65 and older are caused by falls
Risks can be intrinsic or extrinsic. Intrinsic risks can be related to your own strength, balance, fear of falling, or perhaps dizziness. Extrinsic risks could be identified as a rug positioning in your home, medication interaction, slippery surfaces, or uneven ground.
You can prevent or drastically reduce falls by getting screened for an individual falls risk assessment. Since falling is often associated with serious head injuries, it is worth the 20 minutes to see what risk factors are in your life.
Physical Therapists are experts in assessing concussion symptoms, as well as performing falls risk assessments. Please contact us at to schedule a concussion evaluation or falls risk screening.
- Source: CDC website