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Some Facts About TBI

TBI in Wisconsin:

• 5,970 people sustain a TBI each year*
• This equals to 16 cases a day
• Many people go undiagnosed

(*WI Bureau of Health Information & Policy 2004)

TBI due to Falls in Wisconsin:

• Falls accounted for 32% of all TBI hospitalizations in WI (all ages, 1999-2004)
• 1,073 fall-related TBI hospitalizations in 2006*
• 524 fall-related TBI hospitalizations occurred in ages 65+ in 2006*

(* Inpatient Hospitalization Discharge File, Bureau of Health Information and Policy, Division of Public Health, Wisconsin Department of Health and Family Services; prepared from data collected by the Bureau of Health Information and Policy through September 30, 2003 and thereafter by the Wisconsin Hospital Association Information Center).

TBI in the United States*:

• 1.6 million people sustain a TBI each year in the United States
• Falls are the leading cause of TBI in the United States
• Adults age 75+ have the highest rates of TBI-related hospitalizations and death
• Adults age 75+ who fall are 4-5 times more likely to be admitted to a long-term care facilityfor one year or more

(*Centers for Disease Control & Prevention)

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CDC Fall Prevention Initiative

Help Seniors Live Better, Longer: Prevent Brain Injury in Older Adults

Falls are the most common cause of TBI among older adults.
The most effective way to prevent falls is by doing these things:

• Exercise Regularly:
  • Exercise helps to improve balance and coordination
  • It helps one to become stronger and to feel better
    –
• Make Your Home Safer:
  • Remove throw rugs or use double sided tape to keep rugs from slipping
  • Remove things that you can trip over
  • Install grab bars next to the toilet and in the tub or shower
  • Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors
  • Place items used often within easy reach, so that a step stool is not needed
  • Improve the lighting in your house
  • Be sure there are handrails and lights on all staircases
  • Wear shoes that give good support and have non-slip soles
    –
• Ask Your Healthcare Provider To Review All Medications:
  • Ask your doctor or local pharmacist to review all of your prescription and over the counter medications
  • As people age, the way some medications work in the body can change
  • Sometime those medications can make an older person drowsy or lightheaded, which could lead to a fall
    –
• Have Your Vision Checked:
  • Make sure an eye doctor checks to be sure eyeglasses are correct and that there are no conditions that limit vision, like glaucoma or cataracts
  • Poor vision can increase the chance of falling

For more facts on brain injury, fall prevention information and seniors or to view or download brochures visit the Centers of Disease Control (CDC) website at www.cdc.gov/BrainInjuryInSeniors or call 1-800-232-4636.