You may jump back up after you slip and fall, but this may prove more detrimental in your long-term care. You may have a delayed onset injury that you may make worse by moving forward without addressing it.
Some of the most severe damage to the body may occur when you try to act as if nothing happened. Learn to recognize some of the signals that point to serious damage to the body before things become critical.
What is a traumatic brain injury?
Your head does not have to hit the ground or a nearby object to have damage lurking. In some slip and fall cases, all that needs to occur is for your neck to jerk back and forth or side to side. The brain does not take up the entire skull, so it may hit the bone and become bruised with enough force. A brain bleed that does not stop may result in catastrophic consequences, such as a stroke. Look for these signs:
- Head pain that becomes worse
- Changes in hearing and smell
- Memory recall problems
- Slurring words
Seek help immediately if you feel that your brain has an injury.
Does a spinal cord injury show up immediately?
Another area of the body sensitive to sudden forces and falls is the spinal cord. While it does have a measure of protection in the spinal column, the very elements meant to protect it may aid in damaging it. If you fall, it may cause one of your vertebrae to crack and eventually slide into the cord. A herniated disc may protrude and press upon the cord. Do not brush off back pain, especially with numbers and tingling.
You should seek medical attention after a fall, even if you consider it minor. You do not want an internal injury to get worse by waiting.
