A seizure is a sudden, temporary disruption of brain activity resulting from abnormal electrical signals among brain cells. These electrical surges can lead to changes in movement, awareness, or behavior. While a fall itself does not directly cause these electrical disturbances, the head injury sustained during a fall can trigger a seizure.
Understanding the Link Between Falls and Seizures
A fall can lead to a seizure, particularly when it results in a traumatic brain injury (TBI). A direct impact to the head can cause the brain to move rapidly within the skull, leading to cellular damage and chemical changes. This immediate disruption of normal brain function can provoke a seizure shortly after the injury, sometimes within hours or days. These early seizures are considered a direct symptom of the recent head trauma.
More severe head injuries can cause structural damage to the brain, such as bleeding or brain swelling. Such injuries increase the likelihood of immediate or early seizures. Even a mild TBI, not visible on brain imaging, can sometimes result in a seizure. The brain’s response to this trauma can alter its electrical environment, making it more prone to abnormal firing.
Beyond the immediate aftermath, a fall-related head injury can also lead to post-traumatic epilepsy. This condition arises when structural changes, caused by the initial trauma, create a lasting susceptibility to recurrent seizures. These “late seizures” typically occur more than a week after the injury and are more likely to lead to a diagnosis of epilepsy.
Certain head injuries significantly increase the risk of developing seizures or epilepsy. Skull fractures, as well as intracranial hemorrhages like subdural or epidural hematomas, involve direct damage to brain tissue or pressure. These severe injuries are often associated with a higher incidence of seizures, as the affected brain areas struggle to maintain normal electrical stability.
Recognizing Seizures After a Fall
Recognizing seizure signs after a fall is important, as manifestations can vary widely. A person might experience a complete loss of consciousness, accompanied by uncontrolled shaking of the body, known as a tonic-clonic seizure. Alternatively, a seizure could present as a brief period of blank staring or confusion, where the individual appears disconnected from their surroundings.
Other signs might include repetitive movements like lip smacking, chewing, or fumbling with clothes, indicating a focal seizure. The person might also exhibit sudden muscle jerks or a temporary loss of muscle tone, causing them to go limp. Observing the duration of these symptoms and the person’s state afterward, such as confusion or drowsiness, provides important information for medical professionals.
Seizure symptoms can also involve changes in sensation, like tingling, or unusual perceptions such as strange smells or tastes. These signs indicate abnormal brain activity. The key is to notice any sudden, uncontrolled changes in behavior, movement, or awareness that are out of character for the individual.
When a Seizure Causes a Fall
It is important to understand that a seizure can also be the cause of a fall, rather than the result. In this scenario, the seizure activity begins first, leading to a loss of muscle control or consciousness, which then causes the person to collapse. This distinction is important for accurate diagnosis and appropriate medical management.
For instance, a person experiencing a tonic-clonic seizure will lose consciousness and muscle control, inevitably falling if they are standing. Another type, an atonic seizure, is characterized by a sudden and complete loss of muscle tone, often referred to as a “drop attack,” causing an abrupt fall. Focal impaired awareness seizures can also lead to a fall if they cause confusion or an inability to maintain balance.
Identifying whether the fall preceded the seizure or vice versa helps medical professionals determine the underlying cause. If a seizure caused the fall, it suggests a pre-existing neurological condition or a new onset seizure disorder. Conversely, if the fall caused a head injury that led to the seizure, the focus shifts to managing the brain trauma.
Seeking Medical Attention
Immediate medical attention is necessary if a seizure occurs after a fall, especially if there was a significant head injury or loss of consciousness. Calling emergency services ensures the individual receives prompt assessment and care. This is particularly important if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes or if multiple seizures occur without recovery.
Even if symptoms seem mild after a fall, or if a suspected seizure is brief, it is still advisable to consult a healthcare professional. Some complications, such as internal bleeding or brain swelling, may not be immediately apparent but can develop later. A delayed presentation of symptoms could indicate a serious underlying issue requiring medical intervention.
When seeking medical help, providing a detailed account of the event is important. Describe how the fall occurred, any symptoms observed before or after the fall, and the nature of any suspected seizure activity. This information assists medical providers in accurately diagnosing the cause and determining the most appropriate course of treatment.