Slip and fall victims often dismiss their accidents as minor, but they can lead to serious and sometimes even life-threatening consequences for Connecticut residents, including traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). The human brain is highly vulnerable to impact, and even seemingly minor falls can result in significant damage to this vital organ.
Traumatic brain injuries
Traumatic brain injuries occur when the brain experiences sudden and violent movement within the skull due to a blow or jolt to the head. Slips and falls are a common brain injury mechanism, particularly among older adults and young children. The brain can collide with the skull’s interior, leading to bruising, bleeding or tearing of brain tissue.
Brain injuries resulting from slips and falls
A concussion is a mild form of TBI characterized by temporary loss of brain function. It can lead to symptoms such as confusion, memory problems, headaches and dizziness.
Contusions involve bruising of brain tissue due to impact, potentially affecting cognitive and motor functions. If the impact is severe enough, a fall can cause blood vessels to rupture, leading to the accumulation of blood within the brain known as a hematoma. Depending on the hematoma location and size, the bleeding can exert pressure on brain tissue, causing various symptoms.
Severe falls can also cause rotational forces that result in diffuse axonal injuries, involving widespread damage to nerve cells’ connecting fibers.
Brain injury symptoms may not always be immediately evident, and some individuals might dismiss them as normal post-fall discomfort. However, any unusual or persistent symptoms following a fall should be taken seriously, prompting sufferers to seek medical attention.
Injury prevention
Regularly inspect and address potential hazards at home, the workplace and public spaces, such as wet floors, uneven surfaces and cluttered walkways. Wearing appropriate footwear with slip-resistant soles, especially in environments where falls are more likely, can help keep you out of danger.
Older adults and children are particularly susceptible to falls. Implementing safety measures such as handrails, grab bars and non-slip mats can reduce accident likelihood.
Keeping people safe from falls
Slips and falls can have serious consequences that impact physical, cognitive and emotional well-being. These accidents are easily avoidable if people remain aware of their surroundings and proper care is taken to keep floors and other surfaces from becoming slippery for users.
