tips for protecting your good health

Slip And Fall Injuries That May Not Be Immediately Recognized

17 January 2023 by Sasha Meyer

Slip and fall accidents are prevalent and can occur almost anywhere, but they are especially prevalent during the winter. These injuries can happen in the community, mall, or work. The first thing you need to do is go to a healthcare center and see a doctor. Unfortunately, some injuries are not easily recognizable by a medical facility and may only appear over time. Here are a few.

Concussions

Did you know that you may have a concussion even if you did not hit your head when you fell? Severe violent shaking can also cause a concussion or mild traumatic brain injury, even if your head did not make contact with a stationary object. Unfortunately, if you tell your doctor that you did not hit your head or lose consciousness, they may not test for a concussion. Symptoms of a concussion include the following:

• Headache or excessive pressure in your head
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness
• Balance issues
• Blurry vision
• Confusion
• Concentration or memory issues

These symptoms can come and go or change over time. For example, you may initially experience dizziness or balance problems early on but have concentration or memory issues over time. If you continue to have symptoms that do not go away, follow up with your medical facility for additional testing.

Often, concussions are hard to recognize by the person experiencing the symptoms. You may realize that you do not feel "right" or like yourself. Discuss these feelings with your doctor so they will record them in your record. 

Neck Issues

Neck or soft tissue injuries can often result from damage to your neck's muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These injuries are often called whiplash, caused by sudden violent movements such as those in a slip and fall. Symptoms of whiplash may include:

• Neck pain or stiffness
• Loss of neck range of motion
• Headaches at the base of your skull
• Tenderness or pain in your upper back
• Tenderness or pain in your shoulders
• Dizziness
• Fatigue

Whiplash usually gets better over a few weeks with a treatment plan and medications, but unfortunately, some people can experience long-term effects from whiplash. 

Coccyx Injuries

A slip and fall often may result in your landing on your butt. While your bottom may have padding, you may still injure your coccyx or tailbone. You may sustain a nasty bruise, but you may also have a dislocation or fracture. 

These injuries are often difficult to diagnose, but you need medical attention if you have severe localized pain or tenderness in your tailbone area. Your local healthcare facility can x-ray the site for a concrete diagnosis.

Contact a medical facility such as the People's Community Clinic of Newberg to learn more.

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