A slip and fall may seem like it is not a big deal at first, but it can sometimes lead to serious damage. All parts of your body are at risk of injury, and you may not notice some injuries in the beginning. Getting medical attention as soon as possible after a fall is essential.
Have you been involved in a slip and fall recently? You should see your doctor, even if you are not experiencing any symptoms. Some injuries may not show up immediately, so getting assessed is important. If you believe negligence caused your injury, you should consult with a personal injury lawyer Oshawa.
You should be on the lookout for the following symptoms after a slip and fall injury:
Symptom #1: Headaches
A slip and fall may cause you to have a headache. You might not have hit your head, but a neck or back injury can cause a headache. Watch out for a sudden, intense headache or a headache that will not resolve. If this occurs, you may have done more damage than you realize.
You may have experienced a concussion or a traumatic brain injury (TBI) if you hit your head when you fell. You should see a doctor immediately.
Symptom #2: Numbness or Tingling
You may have whiplash if you feel tingling in your fingers or numbness that runs down one of your arms. People usually think of car accidents when they hear whiplash, but it can also happen in a slip and fall. Essentially a form of neck strain, whiplash can be caused by sudden head movement.
Symptom #3: Back Pain
If you experience a fall where you land on your back, it can damage vertebrae or slip a disc. There is a risk of permanent damage or even paralysis. See a doctor immediately if you have fallen and landed on your back. Even if you can still move everything, it is crucial to be seen by a medical professional. Spinal cord injuries are not always immediately apparent.
Symptom #4: Dizziness
If you are experiencing dizziness or a sudden inability to keep your balance, see a doctor as soon as possible. Some people might get dizzy after standing up too fast or changing directions too quickly. Dizziness can signify a concussion, a traumatic brain injury, or damage to the inner ear.
Symptom #5: Swelling
Swelling is often a natural reaction to an injury. It is your body’s way of beginning the healing process. Swelling may be accompanied by bruising, or the area may be tender to the touch.
Typically, swelling from a slip and fall injury will get worse for about the first three days but should gradually decrease over a few weeks.
Symptom #6: Severe Acute Pain
Acute pain is the pain and discomfort you feel immediately after slipping and falling. It is normal to feel pain after a fall but seeking medical attention should be a priority if your pain is severe.
You could have a broken bone, a dislocation, nerve damage, or another severe injury that requires immediate attention.
Symptom #7: Tinnitus
A slip and fall that causes trauma to the head or neck can cause tinnitus. Tinnitus can develop immediately or sometimes not appear for a few weeks after the accident. It can manifest as ringing, whistling, clicking, or blowing sounds, which may be quiet for some and loud for others. The noises may come and go or be a constant thing for some people.
Symptom #8: Blurred Vision
Blurry vision is another symptom of a concussion. Some people may experience blurred vision only at certain times, such as when trying to concentrate or when exposed to bright light. The blurriness may be only in your peripheral vision or your entire field of vision. No matter how it manifests, blurred vision is always a reason to get medical attention.
Symptom #9: Difficulty Concentrating
As mentioned already, a slip and fall can cause a concussion or brain injury. You might have trouble concentrating, problems with your memory, or confusion. It might last only a few minutes after the accident or persist for weeks or months. You should be under a doctor’s care for these serious symptoms.
Symptom #10: Nausea
Nausea or vomiting after a fall is another sign of a concussion or brain injury and should never be ignored. You may experience nausea in the acute period only, or it may become chronic, even after you have gone through the initial recovery period.
Symptom #11: Fatigue
If your fall causes a brain injury, you may quickly become fatigued. This fatigue happens because your brain cannot work as efficiently as before, and any mental effort takes much more out of you. You might find that your symptoms worsen when you are tired. Some people will begin to have trouble regulating their emotions; they may cry or become irritable more easily than before the injury.