TBI and Falls: What Happens and Why It Matters

A fall may seem like a simple accident, but it can have serious, lasting effects on the brain.

Traumatic brain injuries, or TBIs, can change how a person thinks, moves, and lives, and older adults face the greatest risk.

Falls are one of the leading causes of TBI, especially in older adults. At North Oaks Medical Center’s Level II Trauma Center, falls were the number one cause of the many serious injuries our trauma team treated in 2025. Understanding the link between TBI and falls, recognizing warning signs, and taking fall-prevention steps in your home can help safeguard both your brain and your daily life.

What is TBI?

TBI occurs when a sudden force injures the brain. This force may come from a blow, bump, or jolt to the head. It can also happen when the body stops quickly, causing the brain to shift or twist inside the skull. This movement can bruise brain tissue, damage nerves, and tear blood vessels.

Healthcare providers group TBIs into three types:

• Mild TBI (Concussion): Causes headaches, dizziness, confusion, or brief memory loss. Many people recover, but symptoms can linger.
• Moderate TBI: Leads to longer‑lasting problems with memory, balance, or thinking.
• Severe TBI: Can cause major disability, loss of independence, or even death.

Even a mild TBI deserves attention because symptoms may start slowly, worsening days after the injury.

How Falls Lead to Brain Injuries

Falls happen in seconds, but the damage can last much longer.

During a fall, the head may hit the floor, furniture, or a hard surface. Even without a direct head impact, sudden motion can violently shake the brain inside the skull. This internal movement alone can cause TBI.

Why Older Adults Face Higher Risks

Aging increases both fall risk and injury severity. A 2023 study found that older adults are more likely to suffer serious TBIs from falls because:

• Balance and muscle strength decline, making falls more likely.
• Vision changes make hazards harder to see.
• Medications may cause dizziness, sleepiness, or low blood pressure.
• Bones and brain tissue become more vulnerable, increasing injury risk.
• Health conditions such as dementia, diabetes, or heart disease raise fall danger.

Warning Signs After a Fall

Go to the nearest emergency room or call 911 right away if you or your loved one experiences any of these symptoms following a head injury:

• Headaches that worsen
• Confusion, trouble thinking or memory loss
• Weakness, numbness or trouble walking
• Slurred speech
• Vomiting
• Extreme sleepiness or trouble waking up
• Loss of consciousness, even briefly

If milder symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, or sensitivity to light or noise occur, visit your primary care provider (PCP) for an evaluation and monitoring.

In older adults, symptoms may appear hours or days later. Never ignore new or unusual changes after a fall.

Protect Your Brain by Preventing Falls

Falls are not a normal part of aging. Fall prevention reduces the risk of injury and protects the independence of older adults who still live at home.

The National Council on Aging recommends taking the following steps to reduce fall risk in your home, where most falls occur.

• Clear clutter and secure rugs
• Install grab bars and handrails
• Improve lighting throughout the home
• Wear shoes with traction and support
• Stay active with balance and strength exercises
• Review medications with a healthcare provider
• Schedule regular vision checks

Small Steps Prevent Big Injuries

Falls can happen quickly, but the brain injuries they cause can last a lifetime. Knowing the signs of TBI, seeking care immediately after a fall, and taking steps to prevent falls can save lives and protect independence, especially for older adults.

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