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The risk of falling increases with age, and it is one of the most common reasons for emergency department visits in older people. It's important for health care providers to understand what causes falls and how they can be prevented.

Exercise, managing medications, keeping rooms clean and removing clutter can all help reduce fall risks. Some falls can be prevented by adjusting home hazards, such as loose rugs.
1. Head injuries

The head is susceptible to serious injury from even a mild fall. Although the skull is thick and strong, it can break, or bruises (contusion) or bleeding may occur in the brain tissue or the layer that surrounds the brain (subdural, epidural hematomas).

Even if the person’s head doesn’t appear to be seriously injured, it is important to call 911 or the emergency services right away. Motion can make a head injury worse, and emergency medical personnel are trained to move injured people carefully without increasing the risk of further damage.

Once the injured person is stabilized, a doctor will do a physical examination and diagnostic tests. X-rays and CT scans can help the doctor look for fractures, clotting, bleeding, swelling or other structural damage.
2. Broken bones

Fractures are the most common serious injury that results from falls. A fall can cause a break in any bone, but a hip fracture is particularly dangerous for older people.

Fracture symptoms include a painful area that becomes swollen and bruising, often in the shape of the broken bone. There may also be a loss of function, as moving or doing certain activities can become very challenging after the fracture.

A doctor can diagnose a break by doing an X-ray or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Some breaks may require surgery to put the bones back into place. Screws, pins, plates or nails may be used to secure the bone fragments in place, either permanently or temporarily. Bone grafts are sometimes used to replace the broken portion of the bone with a piece from another part of the body, such as a knee bone.
3. Traumatic brain injuries

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TBIs can range from mild to severe. Some symptoms appear immediately, such as loss of consciousness or confusion (amnesia). https://maps.app.goo.gl/ot7rsuTHh17JKFrE6 Others may occur hours later or even weeks later, depending on how serious the injury was.

A brain scan is the best way to diagnose a head or brain injury. A computerized tomography scan (CT) can help doctors see fractures, blood clots in the brain (hemorrhages), bruised brain tissue (contusions) and brain swelling.

An MRI is another test that can detect a brain injury. It uses radio waves and magnets to create detailed images of the brain. It shows the brain’s nerve axons and the blood vessels. It can also show brain swelling and a condition called diffuse axonal injury, which occurs when the nerve axons are stretched or torn by shearing forces.
4. Loss of mobility

Fall injuries are the number one reason that people over 65 are admitted to hospital each year in England. They also lead to significant monetary costs and a loss of quality of life (in terms of DALYs).

Fall-related injuries are more serious in frail elders who have less physiologic reserve. Their recovery from falls is also slower.

A sprain or fracture is a painful experience, but it can be managed with medication and rest. However, if the injury is disabling, it can affect daily activities and may require surgery and extended rehabilitation.

In addition, many elderly fall victims have chronic pain as a result of their injuries. This can last for weeks, months, years or even a lifetime. It can interfere with daily tasks and activities with family and friends, and it limits the social interaction and enjoyment of life.
5. Loss of independence

Falls impose a heavy long-term burden on older people, especially those who fracture their hips. They become less mobile and more reliant on family members and carers and have a greater chance of moving into an aged care facility.

Most falls occur when people are moving--getting in and out of bed or a chair, getting on and off a toilet seat, walking or climbing up or down stairs. As people get less physically active, their joints stiffen and muscles weaken, increasing the likelihood of another fall.

Doctors can help prevent future falls by assessing people's risk factors and taking blood tests to check for disorders that may contribute to falling, such as low blood pressure or heart problems that cause dizziness and light-headedness. They can also suggest carefully monitored physical activities to improve balance, muscle strength and flexibility.