Traumatic consequences of falling:
• Breakage
• Subdural hepatitis
• Extensive contusions
• Burns
Consequences of falls associated with immobility
• Hypothermia
• Dehydration
• Deep vein thrombosis
• Infections
• Decubitus ulcers
• Arthralgia
Psychic consequences of falls - a fallout syndrome
After falls in the elderly, fears usually appear before the next fall, which is called the poupadowym syndrome. As a result, seniors usually start limiting their life activities, stop leaving the home, do shopping, and this leads to further reduction of their efficiency and weakness. Any fall should be an alarm signal and should initiate an analysis of the factors that led to it, to re-examine the patient's physical and mental state.
A desirable family and physician reaction to a fall injury
If the consequences are more serious than just bruises, appropriate rehabilitation should be implemented combined with the possible introduction of hearing, vision or other types of prostheses. Reducing the risk of falls and their possible consequences depends on the exact knowledge of the causes and situations in which the elderly are the most vulnerable, as well as taking preventive measures. Reconstructing those situations where falls most often occur is a practical way to monitor movement disorders and to assess the risk of falls. It is known that rehabilitation is an important element in the fall prevention process. Prevention, aimed at strengthening the bones of seniors, is here on the spot, especially since the range of proposed drugs is currently rich. The rehabilitation program should last for many months, including, among others: learning to change position, individual kinesitherapy and information about falls risk.
Prevention
It is believed that there are great opportunities to achieve tangible benefits at small expense, and the aging of Polish society and the constant increase in medical costs should provide an incentive to take preventive measures. Rehabilitation after fractures requires a more detailed and individual program. An important role is also played by the psychotherapy directed towards the medication to reduce anxiety against independent movement and independent existence. However, in order to assess objectively and objectively the movement disorders and falls of old people, a detailed interview is necessary.
Doctor of Medicine Janusz Krzyżowski
