Fall Injuries and Prevention

Posted by Anthony Lee Mar 21, 2009

The topic of this week's blog entry stems from the recent tragedy of Natasha Richardson. The actress died this week after what appeared to be a minor ski accident. She felt fine for a short time until she experienced sudden neurological changes. An autopsy revealed the diagnosis of epidural hematoma, a type of intracranial bleeding. This means that Richardson had a head injury that caused gradual bleeding into the space between the cranium and dura surrounding the brain, eventually filling the space and exerting pressure on the brain.

It is a very heartbreaking thing to hear about. Some people might say that the use of a helmet could have prevented such an injury. This is why protective gear is highly recommended for certain activities, such as bike riding and skateboarding. Of course, prevention of fall injuries is not just limited to certain physical activities. It also applies to hospitals and nursing homes. Elderly individuals can have serious injuries to places such as the head and hips when they fall, especially when they are prone to doing so because of limitations with movement and balance. In such settings, careful observation and assistance are important.

Basically, this week's message is simple: certain settings can pose the risk for accidents and physical injuries. Prevention can often make a big difference.