Preventing Falls Also Means Preventing Concussions

You might not think much of a single fall at first.

Your body might be a little bruised—along with your ego!—especially if someone was there to witness your tumble. Maybe you headed to your local urgent care facility or emergency room if you hurt your wrist or twisted your knee, and the doctors on call ruled out a fracture of any kind. You were told to take it easy, get some rest, and were then sent home.

But days later, something feels off, and you’re not sure why. You’re unsteady. A bit more tired than usual. It’s hard to focus. Could this fall have anything to do with how you’re feeling right now?

In a word: Yes. These everyday, ordinary moments—the kind most of us would brush off or forget by dinner—can have serious consequences if left unexamined or untreated.

Preventing Falls For Everyone

We tend to think of fall prevention as something reserved for older adults—and for good reason. As we age, changes in balance, muscle strength, vision, and the medications we take all increase the likelihood of falling and make recovery more complex. These changes are a big part of why one in four adults ages 65 and older experiences a fall each year in the United States. For older adults, falling once doubles the chance of falling again.

However, it’s important to remember that falls are the leading cause of concussion for people of all ages, not just older adults. Falls are the leading cause of nonfatal injury for kids ages 0 to 14.

Whether it’s a toddler tripping on a toy, a teen falling off a bike, or an adult slipping on wet pavement, a single fall can lead to a concussion, and it can also increase the risk of falling again.

So, let’s talk about how we can limit falls for everyone—and keep our brains safe at any age.

Why So Many Fall-Related Concussions Get Missed

Many people don’t realize that a concussion doesn’t always require a dramatic hit to the head. In fact, a fall that causes your head to snap back—or a hard landing on your back, side, or knees—can be enough to shake the brain inside the skull and cause injury. Still, these injuries are often overlooked.

Why? Because we don’t always connect the dots.

After a fall, most of us look for bruises, cuts, or broken bones—not changes in focus, mood, or sleep. Concussion symptoms can be delayed, subtle, or mistaken for other things: fatigue, stress, distraction, or, in older adults, just a part of “getting older.” People may feel foggy, irritable, or off balance, but don’t think to link it back to a recent fall, especially if they didn’t lose consciousness.

The result is that many fall-related concussions go unrecognized, untreated, and uncounted—leaving people of all ages vulnerable to a longer recovery or another fall in the future.

How to Prevent Falls (and Concussions) at Every Age

The most effective way to reduce concussion risk is to prevent falls from happening in the first place. That means creating safer environments, building stronger bodies, and encouraging everyday habits that support balance, focus, and brain health. Here’s how fall prevention looks at different life stages:

For Children & Teens:

Decluttering play spaces and walkways. We know this is easier said than done, but there are certain toys as well as things like clothes, backpacks, and cords for electronics that can quickly turn any area into a trip hazard—especially high-traffic areas like stairs, hallways, or entryways. Keeping those spaces clear will reduce falls, not just for kids, but for everyone!
Require consistent helmet use. Biking, skateboarding, and rollerblading are the norm this time of year, so it’s important that children and teens wear properly-fitted helmets and wear them whenever they’re doing these kinds of activities. If you’re looking for specific tips on how a helmet should fit a child, this piece will help. Keep in mind that while wearing a helmet may not always prevent a concussion, it can help to reduce the severity of an injury and symptoms that might occur.
Teach climbing safety. Monkey bars, playground ladders, and climbing trees are part of childhood—and to that end, so is potentially falling during these activities. Help kids learn to assess risk by encouraging them to pause, look around, and think through their next move—whether they’re climbing, jumping, or exploring.

For Adults (& All Ages):

Wear shoes with solid traction. When you can, avoid slick soles, high heels, or worn-out treads—especially when you’re dealing with rain, snow, or uneven ground. Look for footwear with non-slip soles, a secure fit, and enough cushioning to support your joints, even if it means your beloved flip flops might have to stay in the closet a bit more this time of year.
Take time to scan your surroundings. Many falls happen because we’re so used to our usual surroundings that we don’t think twice. The next time you’re rushing out the door or carrying laundry down the stairs, take a quick second to look for water spills, clutter, a loose rug, or other unexpected obstacles.
Avoid distracted walking. Texting or scrolling while walking down or up stairs, through parking lots, or stepping up or down onto curbs is a surprisingly common source of preventable falls. Keep your phone in your pocket or purse until you’re in a safe place to stop.
Pay attention to your body’s cues. Even the slightest bit of low energy or dizziness can throw off your equilibrium and make you unsteady. If you’re overtired, take your time getting up. If you feel a little dizzy, remember to stay hydrated and fed throughout the day.

For Older Adults:

In our last blog, we shared some of the most important fall prevention strategies for older adults, like reviewing medications, getting regular vision and hearing checkups, staying active, and making thoughtful home modifications. In addition to those foundational tips, here are three more strategies to consider:

Review your indoor footwear. Many older adults wear socks or loose slippers at home, which can be slippery on tile or hardwood. Choose non-skid, supportive shoes or slippers for everyday use inside the house. What you wear on your feet indoors can be just as important as outdoor footwear when it comes to preventing falls.
Schedule a fall risk assessment. Talk to your doctor or a physical therapist about having a formal fall risk screening. These evaluations can identify early mobility issues and connect you to strengthening programs or equipment that can help keep you steady—before a fall ever happens.
Take the Falls Free CheckUp: If you’d like to perform a self-assessment before scheduling an in-person appointment, the National Council on Aging offers an easy-to-use, 13-question assessment called The Falls Free CheckUp. From your answers, it generates a personalized risk score and additional prevention tips based on your answers. Whether you’re using it for yourself or helping a loved one, it’s a quick, evidence-based way to assess fall risk and discover actionable steps to stay steady.

Falls happen fast, but their impact can last longer than you think. Whether you’re 5, 50, or 75, one fall can quietly cause a concussion that goes undetected.

Small, proactive steps at any age to prevent falls are the name of the game. By paying closer attention to our environments, our habits, and our bodies, we can protect our balance, our independence, and our brains.