What Are the Most Serious Consequences of a Fall

Falls are the most common cause of injury in older adults and can lead to serious injuries. They often result in hip fractures and can require lengthy hospital stays and expensive care.

Fall prevention involves identifying and correcting risk factors. This includes addressing medications that may increase the risk of falling, improving strength and balance, reducing the risk of tripping or slipping and decreasing anxiety.

1. Broken Bones

The most common serious injury resulting from a fall is a fracture. NZ Medical Alarms This is especially common in people over the age of 65, who often suffer from osteoporosis. Hip fractures are the most common, but there are also many other types of fractures that can occur after a fall.

A fracture may cause a brain injury known as an epidural hematoma, which is bleeding on the surface of the brain. This can be life-threatening if it is not treated immediately.

Even if an elderly person does not suffer from a serious injury after a fall, they may become fearful of falling again and limit their movements out of this concern. This can actually make them more likely to have another fall, as it leads to weaker muscles and poor balance. Keeping active and taking regular exercise can help to reduce the risk of falls in elderly people. For example, tai chi can help to strengthen the legs and improve balance.

2. Head Injuries

While the skull protects the brain, even a "mild" head injury can cause serious problems. Head injuries from falls can also involve the spinal cord.

Symptoms of a head injury can include bleeding inside the skull (subdural or epidural hemorrhage), swelling around the brain ("intracerebral herniation"), increased pressure in the skull that damages tissue and deprives it of oxygen (epidural hematoma), or damage to the nerve cells in the brain (concussion). These symptoms may appear right away, or they might not show up for several hours or days.

A CT scan can help your doctor look for fractures, signs of blood clotting and bruising, and other structural damage to the brain and skull. If you have a minor head injury, your doctor will probably advise you to sit quietly and rest, with someone nearby to check on you every 4 hours or so. You can take acetaminophen for pain, but you should avoid taking other painkillers, such as ibuprofen and NSAIDs.

3. Spinal Cord Injuries

The spinal cord carries messages between your brain and the rest of your body. It sends messages about movement and sensation (like heat, cold, pain and pressure) to your legs and arms. It also sends signals to control your bladder, bowel and sexual functions. A spinal cord injury can affect these functions.

A spinal cord injury can happen because of a car crash, sports or work-related injuries, or acts of violence. It can also occur because of certain diseases, such as cancer and osteoporosis.

After a spinal cord injury, you may not be able to walk as well and might have difficulty with your bladder and bowel. It can also be hard to move around when you are injured because you might be afraid of falling again. This can cause a problem called "post-fall syndrome" where you become less active and end up with poorer balance, weaker muscles and stiffer joints. This makes it even more likely that you will fall again.

4. Traumatic Brain Injuries

The brain can be seriously injured by falling, especially if it hits the ground hard. In fact, falls account for half of all traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). TBI symptoms can range from being dazed for a few minutes to being unresponsive in a coma. Some people with TBI have long-term disabilities.

Doctors treat TBI by making sure the person gets enough oxygen and blood, reducing swelling and preventing complications like seizures. They may do surgery to repair skull fractures, remove blood clots from the brain or relieve pressure on the head.

You can help prevent TBI by wearing a helmet when playing sports, using stairs safety gates and railings, and keeping your home free of hazards like loose rugs and clutter. Also, check with your doctor before taking any medicine that can affect balance and how steady you are on your feet. They can let you know when it's safe to resume regular activities.