An older person who falls and hits their head should see their doctor right away to make sure they don’t have a brain injury. Many people who fall, even if they’re not injured, become afraid of falling.

What to look for when an elderly person falls and hits their head?

When to See a Doctor

• loss of consciousness just before or after the fall.
• injuries.
• a strong or lingering pain.
• dizziness.
• nausea.
• overall weakness or unsteadiness.
• headaches.
• vision problems.

What to watch for after an elderly person falls?

8 Things the Doctors Should Check After a Fall

• An assessment for underlying new illness.
• A blood pressure and pulse reading when sitting, and when standing.
• Blood tests.
• Medications review.
• Gait and balance.
• Vitamin D level.
• Evaluation for underlying heart conditions or neurological conditions.

What happens when a person falls and hits their head?

The most common type of head injury is a concussion. That’s when a hit in the head makes your brain jiggle around in your skull. You can also get a bruise on your brain, called a contusion. Brain contusions are a lot more serious than bruises from a bump on the arm or leg.

What are the most serious consequences of a fall in the elderly?

For seniors, fractures are the most serious consequence of falls (short of death). The most common bones to fracture in falls are: The hip, femur (thigh bone), pelvis, and vertebrae (spine);

How long do seniors live after a fall?

According to Cheng, “An 80 year old often can’t tolerate and recover from trauma like a 20 year old.” Cheng’s team found that approximately 4.5 percent of elderly patients (70 years and above) died following a ground-level fall, compared to 1.5 percent of non-elderly patients.

What are three psychological effects of a fall on an older person?

Falls can cause adverse psychological impact on carees, increased fear of falling again, decreased self-efficacy, and confidence in balance [5].

Should an elderly person see a doctor after a fall?

An older person who falls and hits their head should see their doctor right away to make sure they don’t have a brain injury. Many people who fall, even if they’re not injured, become afraid of falling.

What to do if someone falls and can’t get up?

Call 911 and keep your loved one as warm, comfortable and still as possible until help arrives. If they aren’t badly hurt and they want to get up, proceed slowly. Stop at any point if they become stuck, experience pain or become too tired to get all the way up. Find two sturdy chairs.

Can’t get up after falling?

If you’re unable to get up, the first thing to do is seek help. The second thing is to find a warm location because people who fall may also be at risk of hypothermia. Reach for a blanket, clothing, or nearby covering to help keep warm. Even if heat isn’t a concern, it’s still a good idea to keep moving.

How do you treat a head injury at home?

People can often treat mild head injuries at home. Applying a cold pack to the area can help to reduce swelling. A person can also take Tylenol but should avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and aspirin, unless a doctor prescribes them.

What part of the brain is affected when you hit the back of your head?

The parts of the brain that are most commonly affected in traumatic brain injury are the frontal and temporal lobes. And part of the reason for that is that they’re up against bone, and it’s fairly rigid and rough bone.

How do you stop elderly from falling out of bed?

5 Ways to Prevent Seniors from Falling Out of Bed

1. Bed Rails. The most common solution for anyone who is prone to falling out of the bed is to install bed rails.
2. Pool Noodles. Not every senior wants to have bed rails.
3. Hospital Bed. Depending on your loved one’s health status, it may be time to buy a whole new bed.
4. Pillows.

What should you look for after a fall?

Seeking medical attention right away after a fall can reduce your risk of experiencing long-lasting injury, chronic pain or even death. Symptoms of a Potential Fall Injury

• Severe or lingering pain.
• Headaches.
• Obvious swelling.
• Ringing in the ears.
• Bruising.
• Loss of balance.
• Dizziness.
• Back pain.

When would someone falling become a cause for concern?

Falling becomes a cause for concern when someone who suffered an earlier head injury notices a sudden change in how they feel. For example, a head injury that leads to constant headaches might be more serious than they thought if a person feels sudden sharp headache pain where there was none before.