Traumatic brain injuries, which are caused by a bump or blow to the head due to a fall, caused nearly 8,000 deaths and 56,000 hospitalizations in 2005 among Americans 65 and older, the study found.
However, the researchers added that the injuries often went misdiagnosed among older adults, resulting in long-term cognitive, emotional, or other functional impairments.
Some of the reasons for falls among the elderly include mobility problems due to muscle weakness or poor balance, loss of sensation in feet, chronic health conditions, vision changes or loss, medication side effects or drug interactions, and home and environmental hazards such as clutter or poor lighting.
Also, since a large number of the elderly take blood-thinning medicines each day, head injuries related to falls often lead to profuse bleeding. In elderly people the head is more susceptible to be injured by a sudden blow or jolt.
The CDC has started an initiative called "Preventing Falls: What Works" in collaboration with 26 organizations, which features materials in a concise question-and-answer format to help prevent, recognize, and respond to brain injuries.
Certain examples include modifying the exercise regimen, education about falls, alteration in medication and checking of vision in elderly to prevent falls. The CDC guide also includes hazard assessment and modification.
Other causes of deaths in the elderly are heart failure, strokes, infections and existing chronic conditions worsened by a broken hip or other injuries sustained in a fall.
