When you hear the term “slip and fall,” you might not immediately think of a serious injury. And while it’s true that you could suffer a slip and fall and remain relatively unscathed, these incidents can also lead to serious, life-altering injuries.
It’s possible to suffer a slip and fall accident and not realize you’re seriously injured. However, after the incident, you should immediately seek medical care if you experience any of these 10 key symptoms.
1. Back Pain or Stiffness
The sudden, jarring movement of a slip and fall (combined with the impact of hitting the ground) will often cause back pain.
If you experience pain or stiffness after a fall, you may have one or more of the following types of injuries:
- Ruptured or herniated discs
- Vertebral fractures
- Strains (damage to muscles or tendons)
- Sprains (damage to ligaments)
Your back is made up of many complex structures, and without the help of a medical professional, it’s impossible to determine the exact nature of your injury.
2. A Persistent Headache
If you have a headache that won’t go away, you may have sustained a concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI). If your headache presents with dizziness, confusion, or other symptoms, there’s an even greater likelihood that you’ve suffered a head injury.
3. Tingling or Numbness
Tingling and numbness (especially in your extremities) often signal that there’s a nerve issue. Sometimes, these symptoms might mean a nerve has been directly damaged. However, when swelling from another injury is serious enough, it may compress nearby nerves and cause similar sensations.
4. Abdominal Pain or Swelling
Internal bleeding after a fall or other accident can be deadly. However, many people don’t immediately realize they’ve suffered an internal injury at first, and often, an abdominal bruise is the first sign something is wrong. If you have pain, swelling, or bruising in your abdominal area, it is a medical emergency.
5. Chest Pain or Trouble Breathing
Chest pain and difficulty breathing after a fall may indicate that you’ve suffered an internal injury. One example is a pulmonary contusion, which is when fluid and blood collect around your lungs after a forceful impact.
6. Trouble With Mobility
If your pain is severe enough to impact your ability to walk or perform everyday tasks, your injuries may be more serious than you think. If your mobility issues stem from trouble with coordination (as opposed to pain), you may have suffered a spinal cord injury or other neurological problem. In this case, you should immediately call 911.
7. Sharp, Localized Pain
After any type of fall, some soreness is normal. However, sharp, intense pain — especially if it seems to worsen — could be a sign of something more serious. Fractures, tendon or ligament injuries, and many other types of injuries can cause similar pain, but an experienced medical professional should be able to diagnose the problem and develop a treatment plan.
8. Bruising or Swelling
Not all bruises are cause for alarm. However, bruising and swelling can sometimes be a sign of a deeper injury.
9. Confusion or Problems With Memory
If you’re struggling with remembering things after the fall or start to feel confused, you may have suffered a TBI. If you notice these symptoms, you should seek emergency medical care.
10. Blurry Vision or Sensitivity To Light
Like confusion and memory issues, problems with your vision — including sensitivity to light and blurred vision — may be signs of a concussion or TBI. These symptoms may worsen over time, so it’s important to seek medical care as soon as they start.
Protecting Yourself After a Slip and Fall
After a slip and fall, many people feel embarrassed or worry about making a scene. However, your health and well-being are more important than any self-consciousness you may feel. While looking out for these signs of injury is important, the best way to protect yourself after a slip and fall is to seek medical attention right away.
