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How do slip and fall accidents lead to brain trauma?

On Behalf of | Sep 13, 2021 | Slip and fall

Fall incidents hold responsibility for around 1 million visits to the emergency room every year. Unfortunately, victims can often end up suffering from surprisingly severe damage because of these falls, too.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) serves as one type of injury a victim may face. As quick treatment is crucial to the outcome of brain injuries, it is important to notice and identify red flag symptoms as fast as possible.

How TBIs stem from slip and falls

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention take a look at slip and fall accidents and how they can impact overall health. First, slip and fall incidents often leave the back or side of the head as the prime recipient of impact. Most times, victims will slip and fall backward, hitting their head due to a whiplash effect after another point of contact (usually the back) hits the ground first.

Due to the speed and height of the fall, this impact can potentially cause the brain to hit the inside of the skull, resulting in bruising and swelling.

Potential warning signs

They also look at symptoms that arise in the wake of a brain injury, indicating damage has occurred. Keep an eye out for:

  • Physical signs, like blurry vision, vertigo, nausea and strong or persistent headaches
  • Cognitive signs, like trouble concentrating or holding on to new information
  • Emotional signs, like depression, anxiety, unusual irritation or trouble controlling emotions in general
  • Having trouble with sleep, such as insomnia or excessive sleeping

Note that signs may also appear days or even weeks after the initial fall. If left untreated, symptoms can potentially escalate into seizures, behavioral disabilities, visual impairments or migraines.