Brain Injury Awareness Month
What Seniors and Caregivers Should Know
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month, which provides an opportunity to talk about a serious health issue that affects millions of Americans, including many older adults. A brain injury can occur suddenly and change a person’s life in ways that are not always visible. By increasing awareness of brain injuries, seniors and their loved ones can better understand risks, recognize warning signs, and take steps to protect brain health.
What is a brain injury?
A brain injury happens when an external force or medical event disrupts normal brain function. Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are often caused by falls, motor vehicle accidents, or blows to the head. Non-traumatic brain injuries can result from strokes, lack of oxygen, infections, or tumors. For seniors, falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries, making prevention especially important as we age.
One of the challenges of brain injury is that symptoms are not always obvious right away. After a fall or head impact, a person may feel “fine” at first, only to develop problems hours or days later. Common symptoms can include headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory problems, changes in mood, difficulty concentrating, or feeling unusually tired. In older adults, these changes may sometimes be mistaken for normal aging, which can delay diagnosis and treatment. Any new or worsening symptoms after a head injury should be discussed with a healthcare provider promptly.
How can brain injuries affect seniors?
Brain injuries can directly impact many aspects of daily life. For seniors, this may include challenges with balance, mobility, speech, or performing familiar tasks. Emotional changes such as irritability, anxiety, or depression are also common and can be just as impactful as physical symptoms.
Recovery from a brain injury looks different for everyone. Some people improve within weeks, while others may need ongoing therapy and support. Rehabilitation services such as physical, occupational, and speech therapy often plays a critical role in helping individuals regain their independence and quality of life.
How can we prevent brain injuries?
Prevention is one of the most powerful tools we have to help reduce brain injuries. There are simple steps seniors can take to significantly reduce the risk of brain injury. Keeping living spaces free of clutter, ensuring good lighting, using grab bars in bathrooms, and wearing supportive footwear can help prevent falls. Regular vision and hearing checks, reviewing medications with a healthcare provider, and staying physically active to maintain strength and balance are also important protective measures.
Brain Injury Awareness Month is also a time to emphasize the importance of showing compassion and understanding for those who have been affected by brain injury. Many people living with brain injury face invisible challenges that others may not immediately recognize. Patience, clear communication, and emotional support can make a meaningful difference for those recovering from or living with a brain injury.
By learning more about brain injuries, seniors and caregivers can take proactive steps to reduce risk, recognize symptoms early, and support recovery. Awareness leads to prevention, timely care, and a better quality of life—at any age.
Dr. Ken Sebastianelli has served as Medical Director for Elan Skilled Nursing and Rehab, a Jewish Senior Life Community, since 2012. Dr. Sebastianelli is a board-certified Internal Medicine practitioner with Prime Med Medical Group, and is affiliated with Geisinger Community Medical Center and Moses Taylor Hospital. He is also a member of the Medical Executive Committee at Geisinger Community Medical Center.
