Overview
Falls are a common cause of injury across all ages. They may happen because of slips, trips, loss of balance, fainting, weakness, poor vision, or hazards such as loose rugs or wet floors. Some falls cause only minor pain, while others can lead to fractures, internal injuries, or head trauma.
Key Symptoms
After a fall, a person may have pain, swelling, bruising, cuts, trouble moving a limb, dizziness, or headache. More serious warning signs include loss of consciousness, confusion, vomiting, severe bleeding, chest pain, trouble breathing, new weakness, or severe pain in the hip, back, neck, or head. A person may also seem shaken, fearful, or unable to stand.
Causes and Risk Factors
Falls can be caused by slippery surfaces, poor lighting, clutter, uneven ground, stairs, or unsuitable footwear. Health-related risks include weak muscles, poor balance, foot problems, vision changes, low blood pressure, some medicines, alcohol or drug use, and conditions that affect nerves, joints, or the brain. A previous fall also raises the chance of falling again.
Who Is Affected
Anyone can fall, but certain groups are affected more often or more seriously. Older adults have a higher risk of fractures, head injury, and loss of independence after a fall. Young children may fall during play or while learning to climb and walk, and workers or athletes may face risks linked to their environment or activity.
Prevention
Prevention may include removing trip hazards, improving lighting, using handrails, installing grab bars where needed, and cleaning spills quickly. Regular vision and hearing checks, supportive footwear, and reviewing medicines with a healthcare professional can also help. Strength and balance activities may lower risk, especially for older adults.
Diagnosis and Tests
A healthcare professional may ask how the fall happened and whether there were symptoms such as dizziness, chest pain, or blackout beforehand. They may check for injuries, balance problems, blood pressure changes, nerve or muscle problems, and vision issues. Depending on the situation, tests may include imaging such as X-rays or scans, heart tests, or blood tests.
Treatment Categories
Treatment depends on the injury and the reason the fall happened. Care may include wound care, support for sprains, treatment for fractures, rehabilitation, mobility aids, or treatment of an underlying problem such as balance trouble or fainting. Follow-up is important if pain, swelling, weakness, or fear of falling continues.
Living With It
After a fall, some people become less confident about walking or going out, which can reduce activity and strength. A recovery plan may include rehabilitation, safer movement strategies, home changes, and support from family or caregivers. Reporting repeated falls to a healthcare professional can help identify problems before another injury happens.
When to Seek Medical Care
Seek medical care after a fall if there is ongoing pain, swelling, limited movement, dizziness, repeated falls, or concern about why the fall happened. Medical review is also important after a fall in an older adult, during pregnancy, or in anyone taking blood-thinning medicine. Children should be checked if they have persistent pain, unusual sleepiness, or behavior changes.
When It May Be an Emergency
Get urgent help right away if a person is unconscious, has trouble breathing, severe bleeding, chest pain, a seizure, signs of stroke, a serious head injury, or severe neck or back pain after a fall. Emergency care is also needed for a possible broken hip, inability to move or stand, confusion, repeated vomiting, or sudden weakness. Do not move someone with a possible neck, back, or major leg injury unless there is immediate danger.