The Effects of Traumatic Brain Injuries on Seniors in Alexandria

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Every March, National Brain Injury Awareness Month is observed throughout the country. Marking an important time to spread awareness of the prevalence of brain injuries. Specifically, how brain injuries may impact seniors living here in Alexandria.

Did you know that at least 64 million Americans have experienced at least one traumatic brain injury during their lives? Of those over 40 years old, 11.4 million, whose TBI caused unconsciousness, are now living with a disability.

What is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)?

Traumatic brain injuries occur when an impact to the head disrupts normal brain function. Depending on severity, it may disrupt cognitive functioning. Most are caused either by falls, car crashes, or being struck by something. There are three severity levels: mild, moderate, and severe. Most are classified as mild; however, even mild TBIs can have long-lasting effects.

TBI resulting from a hit to the head can affect brain health in two ways. First, there are direct effects, which include unconsciousness, depression, confusion, forgetfulness, difficulty learning, trouble speaking, lack of coordination, and speech and/or hearing problems. Second, some TBIs may increase your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia.

Symptoms

Mild TBI (concussion)

Symptoms of mild TBI will typically appear at the time of injury or shortly after. Sometimes, however, they may develop days or even weeks later. They are usually short-term and clear up within hours, days, or weeks.

• Inability to remember the cause of the injury or events immediately before
• Confusion
• Disorientation
• Problems finding words
• Headache
• Dizziness
• Blurry vision
• Sensitivity to light and/or sound
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Ringing in the ears
• Unconsciousness that lasts less than 30 minutes

Moderate & Severe TBI

The symptoms of moderate and severe TBI are closely aligned with those of mild TBI. The difference is in the severity and the length of symptoms. For example, moderate TBI causes unconsciousness lasting from 30 minutes to 24 hours. Severe TBI causes unconsciousness that lasts for more than 24 hours.

Local Resources

Brain Injury Services (BIS) – They support survivors of brain injury and their families on their recovery journeys. BIS has free services to support survivors of brain injury wherever they are on their journey.  They are a unique and caring community. BIS provides one-on-one support and connects survivors to learn from each other.

Brain Injury Association of Virginia – They offer free, confidential consultations and referrals to anyone impacted by brain injury via phone, website, or email. They advance education, awareness, support, treatment, and research to improve the quality of life for all people impacted by brain injury.

Griswold Can Help

If you are currently living with TBI or suffering the side effects of one experienced earlier in life, we can help. At Griswold Home Care for Northern Virginia East, we offer many different nonmedical care services. Our Caregivers can provide respite care, if you need a short break, all the way up to 24-hour home care, for those who need support throughout the day and night.

We provide home care services throughout Northeast Virginia, including Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Springfield, and the surrounding areas. Give us a call today to learn more about how we can best help you. We can put together a personalized care plan and often have a Caregiver to your home within 24 hours.