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Assessing Changes in Synaptic Plasticity Using an Awake Closed-Head Injury Model of Mild Traumatic Brain Injury
Published on: January 20, 2023
Elder patients with closed head trauma: a comparison with nonelder patients
J T Nagurney1, P Borczuk, S H Thomas
1Department of Emergency Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Boston 02114, USA. nagurney.john@mgh.harvard.edu
Summary
Elderly individuals have a higher risk of positive CT scans after head trauma. Neurological exams effectively predict traumatic brain injury and neurosurgery needs in both elderly and younger patients.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Geriatric Medicine
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Closed head trauma (CHT) in the elderly is poorly understood.
- Differences in CHT circumstances between elderly and non-elderly populations are unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- Compare outcomes of CHT in elderly versus non-elderly patients.
- Analyze injury mechanisms and the predictive value of neurological exams for CHT outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective case series of blunt head trauma patients undergoing CT scans.
- Comparison of elderly (≥60 years) and non-elderly patient groups.
- Data collected from an emergency department at a Level-1 trauma center.
Main Results:
- Elders had a higher rate of positive CT scans for traumatic injury (20% vs. 13%).
- Falls were the primary cause of CHT in elders, while MVCs were more common in non-elders.
- Abnormal neurological exams significantly increased the risk of positive CT scans and neurosurgery in both groups.
Conclusions:
- Significant disparities exist in trauma mechanisms and outcomes for elderly versus non-elderly CHT patients.
- Neurological examination is a critical predictor of CHT severity and need for intervention across age groups.
