Seeking Care After a Fall

Should I Go to the ER After a Fall?

Did you know that falls are among the most common causes of injury in the United States? Whether you fell cleaning the gutters or tripped down the stairs, an accident can happen in a moment, and your injuries may be more severe than you think. You may feel dizzy, have trouble catching your breath, or see stars. No matter how minor you think your fall was, it's always best to seek emergency medical attention immediately. Here's why:

Ruling Out Head Injuries

Though our brain is one of the most complex parts of our body, it's not well protected against trauma or injury. Therefore, it's always better to be safe than sorry and go to the ER for a full examination. Head injuries can be severe, and it's crucial to get checked out by a medical professional to make sure everything is okay.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Falls are one most common causes of traumatic brain injuries. While many falls do not result in serious injury, some can lead to traumatic brain injury (TBI), which can severely affect a person's health and well-being. Symptoms of a TBI can range from mild to severe and may not always be immediately apparent. If you have suffered a fall, look for signs of a TBI in yourself or your loved one, such as:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Difficulty concentrating or remembering things
• Changes in mood or behavior
• Blurred vision
• Ringing in the ears
• Bad taste in the mouth

Check for Broken Bones

After tumbling during your fall, you may not even be thinking of the parts of your body affected during the accident. Even if you don't think you broke anything, getting checked out is always best. X-rays can tell if there are any breaks or fractures, and if there are, you'll need to be treated right away.

If you have an injury from your fall, you may experience chronic pain if the damage isn't cared for as soon as possible. In that case, in addition to going to the ER, you may need to see a pain specialist to help you manage your condition and prevent further damage.

Diagnosing Internal Injuries

It's possible to feel fine after a fall only for days later to be in excruciating pain. This is because internal injuries aren't always apparent and can be severe. Falls can cause abdominal bleeding or organ damage, which may not be immediately apparent. If you hit your stomach or chest during your fall, it's essential to check out to ensure everything is okay.

Emergency Care in Cuyahoga, Medina and Lorain Counties

Even if you feel fine after falling, it's always best to seek emergency medical attention immediately. If a loved one has fallen unconscious, is vomiting, bleeding or seems confused, it's essential to seek emergency medical care. If you fall while alone, avoid moving, dial 911 and call for help immediately.

 To learn more about our emergency services at Southwest General Health Center, visit us online.