Concussion in t elderly

[evedawn]

My 91 year old mum in law sustained concussion after a fall one week ago. She's had a CT scan and there's no other damage. Howevershe now refuses to eat or drink anythi and just sleeps. The dr said if she's still not dribkng by tomorrow she will need to go to hosp and be put on a drip. Previous to her concussion her health was fairly good (for a 91 yr old at least!!) except for dementia. the dr says this reactionto concussion is not uncmmon in dementia patients as they "fixate" on the concussion. Has anyone heard of this before? We are concerned as we live in England but she lives in south Africa. A family member out there is keeping us informed but appreciate your input.

[evedawn]

Also the dr wants to do a urine test but she simply isn't wee-ing at all. Nothing. I guess that's dehdration? Why do a urine test fir side effects of concussion? My thinking is they are worried about her kidneys?

[Sqad]

This is well known in the elderly, a state of confusion often follows such things as head injury, operations, recovery from anaesthetics and removing them from their environment such as a period of hospitalization .
Urinalysis will be to determine kidney function following her inability to drink.

[evedawn]

Thank squad.., I had hoped ud be online to answer. I googled looking got info but didn't find anything . How long (on "average" ) can we expect her to be like this? I feel as tho she has "given up the will"to live :( previously to bump in head she was happy as a lark...

[boxtops]

Evedawn, I can concur from experience with sqad's comment - my mum had to have a skin graft aged 93, she was deeply confused for about two weeks after the event, until she came out of hospital.

[evedawn]

Thanks box... I take it ur mum improved as soon as she was back in her normal surroundings? It's horrid when parents get old isn't it? :(

[boxtops]

She did, eve, she became lucid and much more like herself, although still needing nursing home care.
Fingers crossed for your MIL!
If she's not weeing then IMO they may catheterise her if she's admitted, for her ouwn comfort.