Falls and concussion

If you fall and hit your head, you can get a concussion – a type of brain injury. You may not even be aware you have a concussion, but the consequences can be serious. It’s best to know how to recognise the symptoms, get yourself checked, and give yourself the best chance for recovery.

About a concussion

Concussion is a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), often caused by a fall. You don’t have to be knocked out or even hit on the head directly to experience a concussion, but the consequences can be serious and long term.

Falls are the leading cause of concussion in older adults. If you, or someone you care for, has a fall or a blow to the head, a doctor should check for signs and symptoms of a concussion as early as possible.

Risk factors after a concussion

Older adults who suffer a concussion have a greater risk of cognitive decline. As you age, recovery often takes longer, and the consequences can be worse.

Older adults who are frail, have been diagnosed with dementia, cancer, or use medicines that reduce the chance of blood clotting, are most at risk of a poor recovery. Getting medical care early is essential, a lot of older adults recover completely from a concussion.

How to recognise the signs of a concussion

Concussion symptoms are not always obvious and can be wide-ranging. Talk to your doctor if you, or somebody you care for, are experiencing any of the following:

• Complaining of neck pain.
• Severe or persistent headache.
• Repeated vomiting.
• Weakness or tingling/burning in arms or legs.
• Ringing in the ears.
• Seizure or convulsion.
• Dizziness or double vision.
• Increased sensitivity to light or sound.
• Increased confusion.
• Irritability or low mood.
• Less aware of surroundings and less responsive.
• Finding it hard to sleep.
• Hard to concentrate or have a conversation.
• Unusual behaviour.

What to do if you hit your head

If you’ve had a fall or bump and suspect you may have a concussion:

• Talk to your doctor as soon as possible – early detection is always best. Your doctor will assess you to confirm if you have a concussion, and how severe the injury is.
• They’ll make sure you get the right treatment – without the right treatment, a concussion may negatively impact your quality of life, leading to loss of physical activity or social isolation.
• Get someone to take you if necessary – it could be important, make sure to ask for help.
• Take time to recover – stay safe and look after yourself. Make sure you get any extra help you need during your recovery.

Care and recovery after a concussion

Make sure you are fully recovered before you return to your normal daily life. Follow the rest, recover, and return guidelines:

• Rest – get enough physical and mental rest until your acute symptoms ease.
• Recover – your doctor can help you recover through a controlled programme of physical and mental activity.
• Return – get clearance from your doctor before you go back to your normal daily routine.

Reduce your risk of falls and concussion

There are plenty of things you can do to reduce your risk of falls, and a subsequent concussion:

Stay active

Regular exercise can reduce your risk of falls and bumps, by helping you build your muscle strength and improve your balance to keep you steadier on your feet.

Staying active

Try a strength and balance class

Local strength and balance classes are a great way to build your strength, meet new people in your community, and have fun.

Find a strength and balance class near you

Make your home safer

A few adjustments in and around your home can help to make your home safer and reduce your risk of falling. Check out our home safety checklist for more advice.

Home safety checklist

More information on concussion

For more information on recognising, treating, and recovering from concussion:

Reducing traumatic brain injuries

Brain Injury New Zealand