Fall with Uncertain Cause

You had a fall today. But the cause of your fall is not certain. Falls can happen due to slipping, tripping, or losing your balance. A fall can also happen from a fainting spell or seizure.

A fall can happen for a simple reason (such as tripping over something). But falls in older adults are often caused by a combination of things:

• Age-related decline in function with worsening balance, stability, vision, and muscle strength

• Chronic illness, such as heart arrhythmias, heart valve disease, vascular disease, COPD, diabetes, stroke, or arthritis

• Shoes with lack of support that make you likely to slip or slide

• Anemia or low blood pressure 

• Effects or side effects of medicines

• Fluid loss (dehydration) or recent alcohol use

• Hazards in your home or around you, such as uneven surfaces, slippery ground, an unfamiliar place, or obstacles

• Something linked to an activity you were doing, such as rushing to the bathroom

The cause of your fall today is not certain. So it's possible that it was due to a fainting spell or seizure. This means that it could happen again without warning. If you fall again without a cause, come back to this facility right away for more tests. Or follow up with your healthcare provider as explained below.

It's normal to feel sore and tight in your muscles and back the next day, and not just the muscles you first injured. All the parts of your body are connected. So while at first one area hurts, the next day another may hurt. Also, when you injure yourself, it causes inflammation. This makes your muscles tighten up and hurt more. After that, it should slowly improve over the next few days. Tell your provider if you have any more severe pain.

Even without a definite head injury, you can still get a concussion. Concussions and bleeding can still happen, especially if you had a recent injury. Or if you take blood-thinner medicine. You may also have a mild headache. And you may feel tired and even nauseous or dizzy.