When To Go to the Hospital After a Fall
After a fall, you might feel a little embarrassed by the incident. Most of the time, these accidents occur in public places. Even without any injuries, should you rush to the hospital after a fall?
At the Prince Law Firm, we always recommend getting checked out after any accident, especially a slip and fall, is always recommended. You might not feel pain right away, but that doesn’t mean that you don’t have a serious injury.
If you’re still not convinced, here are a few telltale signs of when to go to a hospital after a fall.
Take a Self-Assessment
If you happen to fall, take a moment to evaluate whether you’re in pain or if you notice any injuries. Then, you can determine the severity of the fall and what action to take next. Most of these accidents do not cause injuries, but one out of five falls leads to a broken bone or a head injury, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Minor bumps and bruises can often be managed at home with a few simple steps. You might have to follow the rest, ice, and elevation method. However, not all injuries can be easily treated. If there is persistent discomfort or pain, make sure to have a health care provider check it out.
Signs To Seek Medical Help
If you feel pain or other worrying symptoms, it may be time to head to the hospital. Here are a few warning signs that you may have been seriously injured in a fall:
Constant Pain
Persistent pain lasting beyond a few hours. Many times, this can be a signal of an underlying issue. Sometimes, it can vary from a dull, achy sensation to a sharp, stabbing pain, and it may affect various parts of your body.
Pain is your body’s way of signaling distress; you don’t want to ignore it. You might have soft tissue injuries, fractures, or internal damage. Ignoring persistent pain may lead to complications such as chronic pain, mobility issues, and nerve damage.
Your doctor can perform a physical exam, order diagnostic tests, and recommend treatment options to alleviate your pain and prevent further complications.
Cannot Bear Weight
If you cannot put weight on a leg or move an arm without severe pain, you need to get medical help right away. This could be a symptom of a potential fracture, ligament tear, or joint injury. In these cases, seeking prompt medical evaluation is highly recommended.
These painful conditions will not go away without medical assistance. Delaying any help can lead to a worsening of the condition and even a longer recovery time. In severe cases, you might even be left with permanent damage.
Numbness or Tingling
You will want to pay attention to any sensation of numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling in the affected area. These symptoms could indicate nerve compression or damage. Numbness is often described as a lack of feeling or a “pins and needles” feeling. It is often accompanied by tingling or the feeling of a limb “falling asleep.” Nerve damage is a frustrating problem that affects a person’s quality of life.
Swelling
Swelling occurs when fluid accumulates in the tissues. You might notice inflammation in the area, which could look like redness or feel warm and tender to the touch. Many times, this is related to soft tissue trauma, such as a contusion or strain, or more serious injuries like sprains or fractures.
In any case, you need a physical examination by a health care professional. They will usually order X-rays or MRI scans. Depending on the cause of the swelling, treatment may involve rest, ice, compression, elevation (the RICE method), medication, or, in some cases, surgery.
Head Injuries
Falls can lead to trauma to the head. As a result, that can cause concussions and intracranial bleeding. Concussions are a common result of head injuries, even if the injury seems mild. You might feel a little dizziness, confusion, headache, or nausea if you have a concussion.
Intracranial bleeding is a more severe result of head trauma. This type of injury can cause death if not treated. Symptoms of this issue include a persistent headache, altered consciousness, or vomiting. If you suspect a potential head injury, immediately head to the emergency room. Even minor trauma can lead to deadly consequences for those affected.
Even if you might not immediately experience pain, trust your instincts and seek medical advice if something feels off. It is always better to be safe than sorry, especially when it comes to your health.
Ignoring potential injuries or illnesses can lead to more serious medical issues.
If the fall you or your loved one suffered is attributable to abuse or neglect or any other type of intentional acts or negligence, consider reaching out to us at Prince Law Firm to discuss your options for holding the responsible party liable. Consultations in our office are free.
