Head trauma in the elderly

Head trauma in the elderly is a major source of morbidity and mortality in this population. Prevention of the primary injury is ideal and requires that the primary care physician understands the neurosensory changes of aging. Failing prevention, rapid diagnosis and efficient management of the traumatized patient are of greatest concern. With the increasing life expectancy and improved overall healthcare in the United States, greater numbers of elderly patients will be seen for traumatic injuries. All physicians dealing with older patients would be wise to become familiar with the presentations, underlying causes, neurodiagnostic evaluation, and early management of head trauma in these patients.