Falls

Did you know…
- Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injury?
- 1 out of 3 adults aged 65 and older in the United States will experience a fall this year?
- Fall rates are highest for children age 0 to 4 years and adults age 75 and older?
- Most falls are preventable?

Falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in Massachusetts, according to statistics from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. In fact, approximately 20,000 people in Massachusetts suffer a permanent brain injury each year as a result of a fall. In 2006, there were 424 fall-related deaths and over 200,000 hospitalizations, outpatient observations stays, and emergency department visits for non-fatal fall-related injuries among Massachusetts residents

Although people of all ages sustain brain injuries from falling, people over 65 and children under age 4 are at particular risk. Many of these falls can cause life-altering disabilities and death, and most are preventable. Taking some simple precautions at home and on the go can help reduce the risk..