Blog posts of '2015' 'February'

Falls have become a major public health problem as they often require medical attention. 20-30% of mild to severe injuries are caused through falls and they are the underlying cause of 10-15% of all emergency department visits. More than 50% of fall related admissions are among people over 65 years with injuries like hip fractures, traumatic brain and upper limb fractures and sprains.

After taking sensible precautions and being aware of the risks, falls can still occur. Firstly, it is important not to panic when you fall and although you may feel a little shaken or shocked, staying calm and remaining in control of the situation will help you gather your thoughts and remember what you need to do. Before you take any action, you need to consider whether you feel able to get up again.

Falls can be caused by a combination of factors, both to do with objects in the environment and health related issues. Many healthcare symptoms can increase the risk of falls. These can include muscle stiffness, muscle spasm, weakness and numbness, tremor, pain and fatigue. These problems are sometimes caused by interruptions to the communication between the brain and the rest of the body. If the patient’s brain says move but the communication doesn't reach the leg, it can result in a fall.

Falls can happen to anyone irrespective or age or medical condition. Over 65% of falls may cause no serious harm however the consequences of falling can be serious, ranging from distress and loss of confidence, through to injuries, pain and loss of independence.