Head Injuries in Seniors: When to Seek Medical Attention After a Fall

Elderly individuals falling and sustaining head injuries?

My father is in his 70s and has Parkinson's disease.
Yesterday, while sitting in a supportive chair, he leaned forward and hit his forehead on the ground, resulting in a wound and he mentioned that his neck feels compressed.
He is currently alert and has not sought medical attention yet.
Which specialty should he see for further evaluation, and what aspects should we be mindful of?

Xiansheng, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2024/05/09

Dr. Zhao Shaoqing reply Neurosurgery

It would be reassuring to visit a neurosurgery clinic for an examination.

Reply Date: 2024/05/09

More Info

When it comes to head injuries, especially in seniors, it is crucial to approach the situation with caution. Given that your father is in his 70s and has a history of Parkinson's disease, the risk factors associated with head trauma are heightened. Falls in older adults can lead to serious complications, including concussions, intracranial hemorrhages, and other neurological issues.
In your father's case, since he experienced a fall that resulted in a forehead injury and potential neck compression, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. The best course of action would be to take him to the emergency department or a neurology clinic for a thorough evaluation. Medical professionals will likely perform a physical examination and may order imaging studies, such as a CT scan or MRI, to assess for any internal injuries, bleeding, or fractures.

Here are some key symptoms and signs to monitor closely after a head injury:
1. Confusion or Disorientation: If your father exhibits confusion, difficulty concentrating, or memory issues, these could be signs of a concussion or more severe brain injury.

2. Headaches: Persistent or worsening headaches should be taken seriously, as they can indicate increased intracranial pressure or other complications.

3. Nausea or Vomiting: If he experiences nausea or vomiting, this could be a sign of increased pressure in the skull or other serious issues.

4. Balance and Coordination Issues: Given his Parkinson's condition, any new or worsening balance issues should be evaluated immediately.

5. Changes in Consciousness: If he becomes drowsy, difficult to wake, or loses consciousness at any point, this is a medical emergency.

6. Neck Pain or Stiffness: Since you mentioned potential neck compression, any neck pain, stiffness, or neurological symptoms (like tingling or weakness in the limbs) should be assessed.

7. Seizures: If he experiences any seizures, this is an urgent situation that requires immediate medical attention.

Given your father's age and medical history, it is important to err on the side of caution. Even if he seems stable now, some symptoms can develop hours or even days after the injury. Therefore, it is advisable to have him evaluated by a healthcare professional as soon as possible.
In summary, take your father to the emergency department or a neurology clinic for a comprehensive evaluation. Monitor him closely for any concerning symptoms, and ensure he receives appropriate care. Early intervention can significantly improve outcomes in cases of head injuries, especially in older adults.

Similar Q&A

Should Seniors Seek Immediate Medical Attention After a Fall?

Hello Dr. Jiang, there is an elderly person who fell and hit his head in the bathroom before taking a shower. We discovered him about an hour later, and he had already bathed and changed his clothes, and he was able to describe the incident. The elderly man said that when he hit ...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, based on your description, generally speaking, if there is no loss of consciousness, use of anticoagulants, or obvious localized hematomas, head trauma is mostly mild. However, the following conditions should prompt consideration of delayed bleeding, and you should seek tr...

Post-Fall Care: Monitoring and Managing Head Injuries in Seniors

Hello, doctor. I would like to ask about my elder family member who fell yesterday and hit the right side of the back of their head, resulting in a swelling about the size of a chicken egg. They went to the hospital for examination and were told there was no concussion. Now that ...

Dr. Lan Shengxing reply Neurology
Dear Xiaomin, the lump on the elder's head is likely just a subcutaneous hematoma. If there are no neurological symptoms, general observation is sufficient. It is important to monitor the elder for the next year for any signs of limb weakness, slowed reaction time, or confus...

Should You Seek Further Medical Attention After a Head Injury?

My grandmother fell and hit her head, and now she has symptoms of a headache. She went to the hospital, had an X-ray, and the doctor said everything was fine and prescribed medication. However, after taking the medication, she still has a headache. Should she go back to the docto...

Dr. Jiang Junyi reply Neurology
Hello, based on your description, generally speaking, if there is no loss of consciousness, the use of anticoagulants, or obvious local hematomas, head injuries are mostly mild. However, if the following situations occur, delayed bleeding should be considered, and you should seek...

Understanding Head Injuries in Elderly: When to Seek Medical Attention

I would like to consult a doctor. My grandmother, who is 80 years old, fell at home on the morning of May 18, 2022, around 9 AM. She hit her head and developed a bump. When we helped her up, she mentioned that the area where she was hit felt numb and was slightly painful when pre...

Dr. Zhang Junwei reply Neurosurgery
Purple eyelids indicate a bruise. It is important to check for symptoms such as headache, dizziness, nausea, or vomiting; if any of these are present, medical attention should be sought.