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Why concussions are especially dangerous for seniors

Older adults’ brains are more likely to bleed after head trauma

Updated:

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By:
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Mark Huffman
Reporter

Mark Huffman has covered consumer issues since 2004, with a special focus on protecting and empowering older adults. A former news correspondent for the Associated Press Radio Network, Westwood One, and ConsumerAffairs, Mark brings decades of journalistic experience to RetirementLiving.com. He is passionate about giving consumers a voice and helping them make informed decisions. Mark has also created educational content, including Senior Scam Alert, a video resource designed to help seniors recognize and avoid fraud. He holds a B.A. from the University of Kentucky and lives with his family in Richmond, Virginia.

Photo by Assured Senior Living

Key Insights

  • Seniors face greater risks from concussions due to brain shrinkage with age, which increases the likelihood of bleeding, bruising, and delayed complications after head trauma.
  • Recovery is slower and more complex in older adults, with higher chances of lasting cognitive impairments, post-concussion syndrome, and complications from medications like blood thinners.
  • Falls are the leading cause of fatal injuries in seniors, with over 41,000 deaths reported in 2023; immediate medical attention is critical after any head injury in this age group.

Concussions aren’t good for anyone, whether you’re a linebacker in the NFL or a bicyclist. But they are especially dangerous for older adults, who often die from head injuries during falls.

According to doctors, as people age, the brain naturally shrinks, creating more space between the brain and the skull. This makes the brain more susceptible to hitting the skull during trauma, increasing the risk of:

  • Subdural hematomas (bleeding around the brain)
  • Cerebral contusions (bruising of brain tissue)
  • Delayed bleeding, which might not appear on initial scans but can worsen hours or days later

Older adults often experience a slower and less complete recovery from concussions:

  • Pre-existing brain atrophy and lower neuroplasticity reduce the brain’s ability to repair.
  • Concussions in this group are more likely to result in long-term cognitive deficits, including memory issues, confusion, and balance problems.
  • There’s also a higher risk of developing post-concussion syndrome, where symptoms persist for weeks or months.

Other complications

Older adults may also be more likely to take anticoagulants, such as warfarin or aspirin, which increase bleeding risks. They may have pre-existing neurological conditions that make diagnosis and recovery more complex.

Seniors who suffer from vision or mobility issues are at increased risk of concussion, since they may be more vulnerable to falls and repeat head injuries.

Seniors who receive a head injury during a fall should seek immediate medical attention. According to the Mayo Clinic, here are the symptoms of a concussion.

  • Headaches.
  • Dizziness.
  • Fatigue.
  • Irritability.
  • Anxiety.
  • Depression.
  • Trouble falling asleep or sleeping too much.
  • Poor concentration and memory.
  • Ringing in the ears.
  • Blurry vision.
  • Noise and light sensitivity.
  • Nausea or vomiting.
  • Neck pain.

Headaches after a concussion most often feel like migraines. The headaches also might feel like tension-type headaches, which may be related to a neck injury that happened at the same time as the head injury.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports over 41,000 seniors died from falls in 2023, making falls the leading cause of injury-related deaths in the older population.