A slick floor or an icy walkway can leave you in pain for weeks or months after you fall.
Although you may assume this kind of injury is not that dangerous, you can endure serious health complications after a slip and fall. Learning about the kinds of complications can help you determine what to do next.
Head trauma
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, many people land on their backs when an accident happens. This means you can potentially damage your skull and brain as well as your legs or arms.
Not all signs of brain trauma are noticeable in the time directly after an injury, since the adrenaline from the accident may prevent you from feeling pain. Elderly people or anyone with previous health complications may be more prone to serious trauma.
Spinal cord injuries
A blow to your spinal cord can impact how much you can walk, as well as notice sensations on your skin or body. This means you struggle to determine the difference between hot and cold surfaces, and you could even become unable to fully empty your bladder.
These symptoms can greatly impact your daily life and can lead to constant confusion or disorientation.
Lasting fear
Although the accident may be over, the traumatic memories and emotions from your injuries can leave you unable to sleep. You may not be able to return to work or to live the way you did before the accident because you are so afraid to fall again.
Knowing how these problems can affect you is important for anyone struggling after a slip and fall incident.