A slip and fall accident can result in serious injuries to Indiana residents. Certain conditions make it more likely for you to have that happen.
Vertigo
Vertigo is a condition that causes dizziness. The most common type of this condition is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), which is caused by the crystals in the inner ear becoming dislodged and in the wrong position. Because of the sensation of a person’s head spinning, it can increase the chances that they fall.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is a medical condition that causes brittleness and thinning of the bones. It’s more common in the elderly, especially women. A lack of vitamin D can also lead to the development of osteoporosis. Regardless of how it forms, those with the condition are more likely to experience slip and fall accidents.
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
Cognitive impairment from Alzheimer’s disease and dementia creates a higher risk of falling. These conditions impact the brain, including the areas that control motor function, gait and balance. They also cause a decline in a person’s judgment, which can further increase the risk of a falling accident and a severe injury.
Parkinson’s disease
Parkinson’s disease causes a progressive deterioration of function of a person’s muscles. People who suffer from the condition are more likely to experience regular tremors and have problems with their gait and balance. All of these problems make it more likely to fall.
Visual impairment
Blindness, cataracts, glaucoma and other forms of visual impairment raise a person’s fall risk. If it’s more difficult or impossible to see, a fall can more easily occur.
Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy from conditions like kidney disease and diabetes causes numbness, pain or weakness of the legs and feet. These problems can increase the risk of falls.
