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Risk Factors for Fall-Related Mild Traumatic Brain Injuries Among Older Adults: A Systematic Review Highlighting
Albert K Okrah1, Shafer Tharrington2, Isaac Shin1
1Department of Community & Behavioral Health Sciences, School of Public Health, Augusta University, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
Abstract:
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is commonly undiagnosed, delaying treatment and recovery. Approximately 80% of mTBIs in older adults stem from falls, yet the predictive factors remain unclear. This systematic review aimed to examine the risk factors for fall-related mTBIs among older adults. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) protocol and the Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) guidelines were followed (Prospero ID: CRD42023377847). The scope included prospective studies analyzing the risk factors for fall-related mTBIs in adults ≥ 60 years. The primary outcome measure was the relative risk for fall-related mTBIs, and the secondary outcomes were fall rate, total falls, and faller/non-faller count among those with and without an mTBI. CINAHL Plus, Health Source: Nursing Academic Edition, Nursing and Allied Health Database, Medline via PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science were searched on 4 November 2022 and 31 May 2024. Additional electronic searches were conducted. Two authors planned to screen the articles and assess the quality and risk of bias, with a third author adjudicating disagreements. Results were to be presented in a narrative synthesis. The database search yielded 434 records; 410 titles and abstracts were screened after deduplication, and 71 reports underwent a full-text review. No prospective observational studies were eligible because they did not fulfil the following: (1) focus on an mTBI (46 records); (2) exclusively assess individuals aged ≥60 (20 records); or (3) examine falls (5 records). Given the devastating consequences of fall-related mTBIs among older adults, there is an urgent need to identify the risk factors to improve screening and intervention.
Insights
Identifying risk factors for fall-related mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs) in older adults is crucial for timely treatment. This review found no eligible prospective studies, highlighting a critical research gap.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Neurology
- Public Health
Background:
- Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is often undiagnosed in older adults, leading to delayed treatment.
- Falls account for approximately 80% of mTBIs in this demographic, but underlying risk factors are not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review prospective studies identifying risk factors for fall-related mTBIs in adults aged 60 years and older.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review following PRISMA and MOOSE guidelines.
- Searched multiple databases (CINAHL, Medline, Web of Science, etc.) up to May 2024.
- Included prospective studies on risk factors for fall-related mTBIs in adults ≥60 years.
Main Results:
- No prospective observational studies met the inclusion criteria.
- Studies were excluded for not focusing on mTBI, exclusively on individuals ≥60, or on falls.
Conclusions:
- There is a significant lack of prospective research on risk factors for fall-related mTBIs in older adults.
- This knowledge gap hinders the development of effective screening and intervention strategies.
