Top six ways to prevent falls — and when to seek emergency care for a head injury

By Dr. Paul Wright, Senior Vice President and System Chair of the Nuvance Health Neuroscience Institute

12/15/2021

Learn how you can reduce your risk of fall-related injury at any age, and what “red flag” signs require a 911 call or visit to the emergency department

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the number one cause of injuries and death from injury among older Americans. Further, falls can mean the end of independence for some seniors, resulting in disabling injuries that require in-home personal care or moving to an assisted-living facility.

Although fall prevention is critical for older adults, it is also important for younger adults and kids. No matter your age, falls can cause broken bones, cuts, bruises and even serious head injuries — including concussions or traumatic brain injuries that require immediate care and often cause lingering symptoms.

Fall prevention strategies

Here are six fall prevention tips that anyone can follow to reduce their risk of injury:

1. Use safer storage strategies.

Instead of storing items — particularly ones you use frequently — on high shelves, consider moving them lower, so they are easy to reach. Standing on chairs or stepladders while reaching overhead can increase your risk of losing your balance, slipping or tripping. In addition, moving occasionally used items, such as air conditioners or holiday decorations, to a spare room or closet can help you avoid the use of attic ladders, basement stairs or storage lofts in garages.

2. Hire professionals.

Hiring professionals to perform high-up home maintenance tasks, such as cleaning gutters, painting or repairing the roof can help reduce your fall risk. Professionals know how to take precautions and use equipment to keep themselves safe.

3. Wear proper footwear.

Proper footwear is essential for avoiding falls. Wearing supportive shoes with non-skid soles can help you stay safe outside and indoors. High heels, flimsy flip-flops and slippery-soled shoes can increase fall risk.

4. Watch slippery surfaces.

Although an icy winter sidewalk or driveway is an obvious slipping hazard, you should also pay attention to other fall-inducing surfaces, such as damp grass and wet bathroom, kitchen or garage floors. Also, consider installing grab bars, a shower chair or non-slip floor decals in the tub or shower.

5. Remove tripping hazards.

Rugs, cords, furniture, pets and clutter can all increase your fall risk. Secure all rugs and cords and make sure walking paths are free of furniture and clutter. Try to prevent pets from getting underfoot while you are cleaning, cooking, using stairs and carrying things.

6. Ask for help.

As people age, their balance, coordination, eyesight and strength can decrease — which can increase fall risk. If the shelf is too high, the item is too heavy, or you feel dizzy, unstable or unsafe, asking for help could potentially save you from sustaining a serious fall-related injury.

When to seek emergency care after a fall

Accidents may still happen despite taking steps to prevent falls. You can usually monitor and treat minor bruises at home, but broken bones, large, deep cuts and head injuries require emergency care.

After a fall, keep an eye out for “red flag” symptoms that warrant emergency evaluation for a head injury, including:

One pupil is larger than the other
Drowsiness or an inability to wake up
Headache that gets worse, is severe or does not go away
Slurred speech
Weakness, numbness or decreased coordination
Repeated vomiting or prolonged nausea
Convulsions or seizures
Unusual behavior or mood/personality changes, such as confusion, restlessness or agitation
Loss of consciousness — even briefly

If you experience any symptoms of a serious head injury, dial 911 or visit the emergency department. Nuvance Health emergency departments have neurologists and neurosurgeons available 24/7 who are equipped to provide emergency concussion and traumatic brain injury care.

For less severe symptoms, Nuvance Health patients throughout Connecticut and New York can visit their primary care clinician, and patients in New York can also visit one of our urgent care centers.

The bottom line: Taking steps to prevent falls can reduce your risk of serious injury. If a fall occurs, it is important to watch for signs of head injury and seek emergency care if you experience any “red flag” head injury symptoms, broken bones or large, deep cuts.

Learn more about Nuvance Health neurology and neurosurgery care.

Dr. Paul Wright is a board-certified neurologist with over 20 years of experience. Dr. Wright has extensive research experience including studying the effectiveness of novel therapies such as electroceuticals to treat neurological diseases.