Strokes often lead to weakness or incoordination on one side of the body, and this may lead to a sudden loss of balance and a fall.  

Talking With Your Physician

This website, from the National Institutes of Health, can help you organize your thoughts, concerns, or other matters you would like to discuss with your physician.  Think about:

• How many times have you fallen in the last year?
• When was the last time you fell?
• Have you had any serious injuries from falling?
• What were the causes of the fall(s)?
• Have you made any lifestyle changes because of your history of falling?
• Will medication side effects increase your risk of falls?
• Are there alternatives to the medication?

Make a list of the concerns you would like to discuss with your doctor.  Your information gives your doctor or health care provider a full understanding of your situation, helps you keep your independence, and lets your doctor treat or fix the issue before it’s too late!

If you fall tonight, how will you get up?

After a Fall

1. Assess – take several deep breaths, assess the situation, and determine if you are hurt
2. Get Help – can you attract attention?  Try shouting, or banging on something.
3. Get Up – if you feel strong enough, and it doesn’t cause pain
4. Call Your Doctor – always notify your doctor when you fall, regardless of an injury

You may need immediate medical attention after a fall if…

• you experienced loss of consciousness (or are unsure)
• you hit your head (no matter how minor)
• you have pain anywhere on your body
• you are taking blood thinners
• you are having shortness of breath
• you are having any numbness/tingling or paralysis anywhere on your body
• you are confused or dizzy
• you are having abdominal pain or tenderness
• you are bleeding
• you are experiencing neck pain or stiffness
• you are unable to get up from a fall, or have to lay there for longer than 15 minutes
• you fell from a height greater than standing position