A recent study conducted by the University of Pennsylvania’s hospital has found that traumatic brain injury, regardless of its severity, raises the risk of older adults suffering a common type of stroke. The ischemic stroke, caused by a blood clot that blocks blood flow to the brain, was determined to have a 32% increased likelihood in those who had suffered a head injury.
Holly Elser, an epidemiologist and resident physician in neurology, led the study. She noted that the research “raise[s] the intriguing possibility that individuals with head injury may benefit from evidence-based stroke prevention methods such as lowering blood cholesterol levels or blood pressure if they are elevated.”
The study analyzed data from 12,813 U.S. adults recruited between 1987 and 1989, over a 30-year period. After 30 years, 2,158 people had suffered a head injury—73% of them mild. Of those with a head injury, 147 ultimately had an ischemic stroke.
However, experts commenting on the study believe that further research is needed to establish the link. Andrew E. Budson, chief of cognitive and behavioral neurology at the VA Boston Healthcare System, stated that it was still unclear how TBI was defined in the study. Meanwhile, Kevin Sheth, professor of neurology and neurosurgery at the Yale School of Medicine, called the study “provocative” yet said more evidence is needed to establish the link.
Despite the results, it’s important to note that every year, millions of Americans older than 65 experience falls, with 1 in 4 older adults falling resulting in more than 800,000 emergency department visits. Falls are the leading cause of injury and death in this age group.
Dr. Elser suggested that older adults speak with their physicians about their fall risk and consider the use of assistive devices such as canes and walkers. Additionally, preventive measures such as always wearing a seat belt in the car and wearing a helmet while cycling are recommended.