While athletes account for a great number of concussions sustained in the U.S. each year, they are certainly not the only concussion patients. People over the age of 75 have the highest rate of concussions, often occurring from a fall. As slips and falls become more common with age, and older adults recover slower than younger people, it is important that the elderly and their caregivers are well-versed in the symptoms of a concussion and what to do if one occurs.
Injuries from concussions vary greatly. Mild to severe bruising, torn blood vessels, nerve damage and unconsciousness are all possible symptoms of concussions. While some seniors display no obvious signs of a concussion after a fall, others may appear confused, have headaches, dizziness, ringing in their ears, or suffer from nausea and vomiting. Over the course of the following days, other symptoms may emerge including increased sensitivity to light or sound, speech impairment, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, or a variable heart rate. Loss of consciousness, vomiting, seizures or altered awareness are emergencies and require immediate care with the patient being taken directly to the emergency room.
While it is essential for caregivers to be aware of the signs and symptoms of concussion and the level of care needed, ultimately prevention should be the main goal. Since many falls happen at home, there are several steps that can be taken to prevent falls. Making sure that power cords are out of the way, removing throw rugs and installing grab bars can greatly reduce the chance of falling. Exercises that include stretching and balancing help to strengthen core muscles and increase stability. And of course, regular visits with their doctor and an emphasis on maintaining good health go a long way toward being prepared and if, necessary, recovering from a fall.
Should a fall or concussion happen, working with a doctor who understands the individual needs of their patients, rather than providing a one-size-fits-all approach will lead to faster recovery times and is an essential part of the healing process. Chiropractic Neurology is the perfect fit for patients of any age, and with a variety of health concerns. Not only are Chiropractic Neurologists specialists in the treatment of concussion and TBIs, their functional approach to medicine has proven highly effective for balance disorders, stroke recovery, movement disorders, headache, chronic pain and much more. Their treatments are suitable for patients of any age and many people have found that the drug-free and non-invasive care plans are ideal for students, athletes, the elderly and everyone in between.
If you or a loved one has suffered a concussion or TBI and would like to learn more about how Chiropractic Neurology can help you, please contact the team at Georgia Chiropractic Neurology Center today for your consultation. Interested in what other conditions we treat? Visit our main page for a comprehensive list and to read some of our patients’ success stories!
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