Falls are a common cause of bumps, bruises and sprains, but in some cases, a fall can cause serious injuries to people of all ages. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that one in five people suffer a serious injury as the result of a fall, which may include a broken bone or head trauma.
People who experience a fall may incur a variety of injuries, some of which may cause long-term pain or discomfort unless treated properly.
1. Brain injuries
A brain injury may occur during a fall if the victim’s head strikes a hard surface, causing the brain to strike the inside of the skull. This can cause a concussion, bleeding in the brain or changes in vision caused by the blow. When a fall includes a head injury, the affected individual may want to seek medical attention right away to prevent a delay in treatment that could lead to further problems, such as seizures.
2. Fractures
A serious fall can cause one or more broken bones. Some of the most common include wrist, ankle and hip fractures. The latter is especially a risk for seniors, especially if they suffer from osteoporosis, which weakens the bones over time. Wrist fractures tend to occur when an individual throws his or her hands forward to try and brace the impact during a fall.
3. Tendon or muscle injury
An over-extension of tendons or muscles during a fall can cause tears which can seriously impact the range of motion in one or more areas. Such injuries may not seem serious at first and then cause increasing pain over time.
Individuals may also experience dizziness, sleepiness or confusion after a fall. Such symptoms could indicate the need for urgent medical assistance.