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Controlled Cortical Impact Model for Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: August 5, 2014
ICU Utilization in Older Adult TBI Patients Following Ground-Level Falls: A Single-Center Retrospective Review
Megan Rajagopal1, Andrew Kwon1, Jeffry Nahmias1
1University of California, Irvine Medical Center in Orange, CA.
World Neurosurgery
|August 10, 2026
Summary
Ground-level falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in older adults. This study found that lower Glasgow Coma Scale scores and higher injury severity predict intensive care unit (ICU) admission and neurosurgical intervention for TBI patients.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Trauma Surgery
- Neurology
Background:
- Ground-level falls (GLFs) are the primary cause of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in elderly individuals.
- Older adults with TBI often require intensive care unit (ICU) admission and neurosurgical intervention.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate intensive care unit (ICU) utilization and clinical outcomes in older adults with TBI resulting from ground-level falls (GLFs).
Main Methods:
- A single-center retrospective study was conducted on patients aged 60 years and older with radiographically confirmed TBI after a GLF.
- Multivariable Firth penalized logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with ICU admission and neurosurgical intervention.
Main Results:
- Of 237 TBI patients from GLFs, 31% required ICU admission and 11% underwent neurosurgical intervention.
- Lower admission Glasgow Coma Scale scores and higher Injury Severity Scores were associated with ICU admission.
- Higher Injury Severity Scores were also associated with neurosurgical intervention.
Conclusions:
- Nearly one-third of older adults with GLF-related TBI need ICU admission, with injury severity and neurological status being key predictors.
- There is a critical need for early identification, coordinated care, and resource planning for the aging trauma population.
- Preventive strategies and improved risk stratification are essential due to the rising incidence of GLF-related TBI.
