Concussion Guide for Adults 65+ (Download)
Did you know that falls are the leading cause of concussions for seniors in Canada? Concussions are brain injuries that can mess with your thinking and memory, and they can cause a bunch of different symptoms.
How concussions happen
Any bump to the head, face, or neck can cause a concussion. It can also happen when your body moves suddenly, causing your brain to jolt inside your skull. Common causes include car crashes, being hit with an object, hitting your head on something, and violence.
Signs and symptoms of a concussion
You don’t have to be knocked out to have had a concussion. If you think you might have one, you might have one or more of these symptoms:
- Changes to your memory
- Trouble concentrating
- Feeling “in a fog”
It’s super important to tell a healthcare professional, family member, or friend you trust if you’ve fallen or think you might have a head injury, like a concussion. Anyone with a possible head injury should see a doctor or nurse practitioner as soon as possible.
If you’re taking a blood thinner, it’s especially important to go to the doctor right away after a possible head injury. You could bleed more if you’re taking this type of medication. Usually, they’ll ask you about what happened and your symptoms, and they’ll do a neurological assessment (like checking your balance and eye movement). Concussions can’t be seen on regular X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs. But if you’re 65 or older, your doctor might order a CT scan to check for bleeding in your brain. Adults 65 and older are at risk of bleeding in the brain from minor head injuries.
Managing and recovering from a concussion
Once you’ve had a concussion, it’s important to take care of yourself and recover properly. Here are some tips:
- Rest
- Eat a healthy diet
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid alcohol and drugs
- Get enough sleep
If you have any concerns or if your symptoms don’t improve, don’t hesitate to reach out to your doctor or a healthcare professional. They can help you figure out what’s going on and how to get better.
- Concussion healing times can vary from person to person, but it’s common for symptoms to linger longer for adults over 65 compared to younger folks. Your symptoms might last for weeks or even months. It’s important to work closely with your healthcare team to support and tailor your concussion management and recovery. They’ll take into account factors that could affect your recovery, like any pre-existing conditions or medications you’re taking. They’ll also guide you on how to safely return to activities like driving, working, or volunteering, and even physical activity. If you need it, they can refer you to other healthcare specialists who can help you recover, like physiotherapists, occupational therapists, optometrists, audiologists, geriatricians, and psychologists. The specific professionals involved will depend on your individual symptoms.
- If your symptoms don’t improve or last longer than four weeks, don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare team to refer you to a specialist who has experience managing concussions in seniors. They’ll be able to provide you with the best possible care.