Fall

What type of brain injury is caused by a fall?

What happens during a fall?

Imagine the brain as a delicate piece of equipment. In a fall, the sudden impact can cause the brain to move rapidly back and forth inside the skull, leading to bruising, bleeding, and other damage. This can disrupt how the brain works and cause various symptoms.

Signs and Symptoms

Knowing the signs of a brain injury from a fall can help prepare you for what you might see or experience. Here are some common symptoms to look out for:

Headache: Persistent or worsening headaches
Nausea and vomiting: Feeling sick to the stomach or throwing up
Dizziness and balance issues: Feeling lightheaded or having trouble walking
Confusion and memory loss: Trouble remembering events or feeling disoriented
Behavioral changes: Unusual mood swings, irritability, or personality changes
Sleep problems: Difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much
Seizures: Sudden, uncontrolled electrical activity in the brain

What tests might my special person have?

A fall causes a traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI’s can be seen on different tests like a CT Scan or MRI. These tests will help professionals know the type of TBI, how serious it is and what parts of the brain have been hurt.

MRI

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

A machine that uses different waves to make images of organs and other tissues within the body

CT

Computerised Tomography

A machine that uses x-rays and a computer to take 3D images of the inside of the body

Surgery

A procedure where special doctors and nurses help to stop any blood going to areas it should not be going into or remove the skull to help the brain to swell safely.

How does a fall affect the brain?

The effects of a brain injury from a fall depend on the Severity of the injury and which parts of the brain are affected. Here are some common impacts:

Movement and coordination: Difficulty with walking, balance, and fine motor skills
Speech and understanding: Trouble speaking, understanding speech, reading, or writing
Vision: Problems with seeing clearly or losing parts of the visual field
Thinking and memory: Issues with memory, attention, and problem-solving
Emotions: Changes in mood or behaviour, such as increased irritability or Depression

Life after a fall

Recovering from a brain injury from a severe fall can be a long journey, but many people make improvements with the right care and support. Here are some steps involved:

Emergency treatment: Immediate medical care is crucial to assess and manage the injury
Rehabilitation: This includes physical therapy to regain strength and coordination, speech therapy to improve communication, and occupational therapy to relearn daily activities
Healthy lifestyle: Following a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding activities that could result in another injury can help in recovery
Support: Emotional and psychological support from family, friends, and professionals is crucial. Support groups can also be very helpful

How you can help?

If a special person has experienced a brain injury from a fall, you can make a big difference:

Be patient: Recovery can take time, and your patience will be a great help
Offer support: Help with daily tasks, be a good listener, and encourage your special person to follow their treatment and rehabilitation plan
Stay positive: A positive attitude can boost your special person’s morale and encourage them to keep going