By Kelley Weiss, KCUR
Kansas City, MO – Missouri health officials are examining why traumatic brain injuries are on the rise.
That comes after a Missouri Health Department report showed a 15% increase in these injuries.
Lori Brenneke, with the state health department's Adult Head Injury Program, says much of the increase is from the growing elderly population falling and hitting their heads.
Brenneke says the state is raising awareness for senior citizens and Missouri drivers about the rising risk. "Behaviors that can minimize the chances of being involved in a motor vehicle accident or falling are things that we need to get the word out to prevent an accident from happening," Brenneke said.
About 1,300 people die from a traumatic brain injury each year in Missouri and more than 12,000 people seek emergency care for them.