Citation

Krishnamoorthy V, Distelhorst JT, Vavilala MS, Thompson H. J. Trauma Nurs. 2015; 22(4): 204-208.

Affiliation

Department of Anesthesiology (Dr Krishnamoorthy), Department of Anesthesiology and Pediatrics and Department of Neurological Surgery (Dr Vavilala), and Department of Biobehavioral Nursing and Health Systems (Dr Thompson), Faculty of Harborview Injury Prevention and Research Center, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington; and Preventive Medicine Resident-Madigan Army Medical Center, Federal Way, Washington (Dr Distelhorst).

Copyright

(Copyright © 2015, Society of Trauma Nurses)

DOI

10.1097/JTN.0000000000000135

PMID

26165873

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major public health problem, affecting millions of people each year worldwide. Elderly patients are at particularly high risk after sustaining a TBI due to higher degrees of mortality and functional disability compared with younger patients. In addition, the causative mechanisms of TBI in the elderly are shifting from motor vehicle collisions to falls. In this article, we will review the risk factors and mechanisms that predispose elderly patients to sustain a TBI. We will conclude by using a "Haddon's Matrix" approach to review current evidence-based prevention strategies directed at reducing the burden of TBI in the elderly.

Language: en