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Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction

Traumatic Brain Injury l: Introduction

DefinitionTraumatic brain injury, or TBI, is a disturbance of normal brain function induced by an external mechanical force, such as a direct blow to the head or a penetrating injury. It can affect both brain structure and function, producing a wide range of clinical outcomes. TBI is a heterogeneous condition, meaning its effects may differ based on the type, location, and severity of the injury.Basis of ClassificationTBI is classified based on severity, injury mechanism, or pathophysiology. In...

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Development of an Uncomplicated Mild Traumatic Brain Injury Model Modified by Weight-Drop Method and Evidenced by Magnetic Resonance Imaging

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Fall Risk and Physical/Occupational Therapy Referral Patterns in Older Adults with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury.

Jennifer S Albrecht¹, Odessa Addison^2,3, Leland E Dibble⁴

¹Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.

Journal of Neurotrauma

|June 18, 2026

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Falls cause mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in older adults. Few receive physical or occupational therapy (PT/OT) referrals despite significant mobility deficits, increasing their risk of recurrent falls and injury.

Keywords:

fall risk mild traumatic brain injury older adults referral to physical therapy

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Area of Science:

Gerontology
Neurology
Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

Falls are the leading cause of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) in older adults.
Limited research exists on clinical care patterns, mobility, and subsequent fall risk in this demographic post-mTBI.

Purpose of the Study:

To evaluate outpatient physical or occupational therapy (PT/OT) referral patterns for older adults with mTBI.
To assess physical function and fall risk in this population following mTBI.

Main Methods:

Prospective cohort study analyzing data from adults aged 65+ with mTBI.
Assessed PT/OT referral at discharge and physical function using Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) and Four-Square Step Test (FSST) at 2 weeks post-mTBI.

Main Results:

Only 24% of older adults with mTBI were referred to PT/OT at discharge.
Participants exhibited poor physical performance, with 53% impaired SPPB, 62% impaired FSST, and 65% slow gait speed, indicating elevated fall risk.
Lack of PT/OT referral was associated with significant mobility and balance deficits, highlighting a gap in care.

Conclusions:

A significant gap exists between fall prevention guidelines and clinical practice regarding PT/OT referrals for older adults with mTBI.
The low referral rate leaves many older adults at high risk for recurrent falls and subsequent injuries.
Intervention is needed to improve PT/OT referral rates to address mobility deficits and reduce fall risk in this population.