Traumatic Brain Injury
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury (TBI) that results from a bump, blow, or jolt to the head, or a hit to the body that causes the head and brain to move rapidly back and forth. This sudden movement can cause the brain to bounce or even twist inside the skull, stretching and damaging brain cells and creating chemical changes in the brain.
Falls and car crashes are the most common causes of TBI-related hospitalizations among older adults.
There are three main types of TBI:
- Mild TBI or concussion
- Moderate TBI
- Severe TBI
Most TBIs that occur in older adults are mild TBIs or concussions.
TBIs are preventable, but they remain a serious public health concern resulting in death and disability for thousands of older Americans each year. Older adults are more likely to have a hospital stay following a TBI compared to all other age groups.
Falls and motor vehicle crashes are two of the leading causes of TBI-related hospitalizations among older adults. The good news is that you can lower your chance of getting a TBI by following steps to prevent a fall or motor vehicle crash.
Contact Information
Mailing Address:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
Injury Prevention Service
123 Robert S. Kerr Ave., Suite 1702
Oklahoma City, OK 73102-6406
Physical Address:
Oklahoma State Department of Health
Injury Prevention Service
123 Robert S. Kerr Ave.
Oklahoma City, OK
Telephone: (405) 426-8440
Fax: (405) 900-7588
Email: injury@health.ok.gov
