QUESTION: My mother lives alone in another city.
We received a call from her neighbors that she fell in her apartment, but now seems well enough.
She refuses to go to the doctor, and we are worried that she may have had a small stroke.
Is this a possibility? Can you please counsel us?
ANSWER: When an older person falls, especially when there are no witnesses present, it may take a bit of detective work to determine just what did happen.
Certainly a small stroke is a possibility, or a T.I.A.
(transient ischemic attack).
In the case of a T.I.A., there may be no signs left after a brief period of time to help clear up the situation, and the mystery may never be completely resolved without medical evaluation.
However, since these attacks may recur a diagnosis and treatment is certainly required now, and it may require a visit from a close member of the family to convince your mother of the seriousness of the problem.
Many older people will not remember all the particulars of an accident or recall the circumstances that preceded the fall.
A careful look around her apartment may reveal the source or potential sources for an accident.
Dark, or poorly lit halls and corridors, slippery floor surfaces or scatter rugs, boxes or other small objects lying about may trip anyone, and should be cleaned up or removed.
More important still, to my medical mind, are all the conditions still undiagnosed that can contribute to these reported falls.
Neurological problems that change the gait or mobility, vertigo or dizziness, failing eyesight (perhaps from developing cataracts), reactions from new medications or even the sudden lowering of blood pressure that occurs when standing or arising too swiftly (postural hypotension) all may be the underlying cause of a "simple" fall.
Muscle weakness, anemia, poor eating habits and emotional problems can also be contributing factors, and the list can go on and on.
While it may be but an isolated accident, it would be unwise to allow the situation to go unexplained, and imprudent to overlook the possibility that there are medical circumstances that caused this episode that can be treated, and so prevent a future fall that could lead to greater tragedy.
My advice, either get someone into that home that your mother respects, or start packing your bags for a most necessary journey.
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician.
Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.
