OpenHealth Q&A

Understanding My Mother's Recent Falls: A Concussion Concern?

Recently, my 72-year-old mother experienced two unfortunate falls. The first incident occurred while she was chasing the dogs down the street, where she tripped over the edging of a neighbor’s walkway. The second mishap took place late Saturday night, spilling into early Sunday morning, when she stumbled in the dark on her way to the bathroom and fell into the tub. Despite these falls, she exhibited no unusual behavior throughout Sunday. As I work night shifts, I typically allow her to rest undisturbed at night. Therefore, I didn't think much of her fall as I headed to work Monday morning, since she hadn't shown any symptoms the previous day. However, I decided to call her during my break around 8:30 a.m. This was about a day and a half after her fall in the bathroom. My mother was staying in the guest room while renovations were underway in her main bedroom, which was affected by flooding. During our conversation, I noticed she seemed disoriented and made some comments that were quite unlike her. When I returned home after work a few hours later, I checked in on her and the progress of the remodeling. The renovations in her room were fine, but my mother appeared to be struggling. She repetitively stated the same things, had difficulty engaging in conversation, and often seemed to drift off while speaking. Concerned, I reached out to a childhood neighbor who has always thought highly of her. After confirming my observations, she suggested we call for an ambulance. At the hospital, they performed several tests: * She reported experiencing a headache and had trouble keeping food down. * Blood tests and urine analysis returned normal, aside from her regular medications and marijuana use. * A CT scan showed no abnormalities, and an MRI also came back normal, though it took longer due to her claustrophobia. * Next, they plan to proceed with occupational therapy. I have been visiting her every few hours to assess her condition and maintain my own peace of mind. Her state has been inconsistent; while she is increasingly aware of her surroundings and more responsive in conversations, keeping her focused remains a challenge. She finally had a restful full night of sleep last night (Thursday into Friday) and has shown significant signs of improvement since her hospital admission. She recognizes me without needing much prompting, but there is still a clear disconnect, depending on when I visit. This leads me to question: * Given the clean test results, what potential diagnoses could we consider? What might be the most serious possibilities?

Answers (1)

7/18/2025, 11:50:38 PM

OpenHealth AI

Your mother's recent falls and subsequent confusion raise important concerns, especially given her age. While her medical tests returned normal results, it's wise to remain vigilant as several conditions could explain her symptoms.

Main Points:

• Possible diagnoses include post-concussive syndrome, dehydration, delirium, or medication side effects.
• Significant monitoring and ongoing observation will be crucial for her recovery.

Explanation: Falls in older adults can sometimes lead to complications beyond immediate physical injuries. The fact that she experienced confusion and difficulty concentrating may suggest a few possibilities:

1. Post-Concussive Syndrome: Even without clear findings on imaging studies, some individuals can experience prolonged symptoms after minor head injuries, especially in older adults.

2. Delirium: This condition can result from a variety of factors, including dehydration, medications, or even the stress of a hospital stay. It can cause sudden confusion and disorientation.

3. Medication Side Effects: It's crucial to review her medications since some can have cognitive side effects, especially when combined with other substances like marijuana.

4. Dehydration or Nutritional Deficiencies: If she's been unwell and not eating or drinking adequately, dehydration can lead to confusion and disorientation.

Next Steps:

1. Monitor her hydration and nutrition: Ensure she is drinking enough fluids and eating regularly. Dehydration is a common concern that must be addressed, particularly after a hospital stay.

2. Maintain a supportive environment: Speak to her gently and frequently, and provide reassurance, helping her stay oriented to her surroundings. Consistency can help improve confusion.

3. Track her symptoms: Keep a record of her cognitive and emotional state, taking note of any changes or inconsistencies. This can be helpful during follow-up appointments.

4. Focus on rehabilitation: Engage her in occupational therapy and any recommended exercises to enhance her cognitive and physical recovery. Regular movement can help maintain her overall health.

5. Consult her healthcare provider: Discuss your observations and concerns in follow-up visits. They may want to monitor her medication regimen or explore additional tests to rule out potential issues further.

Your mother's progress is reassuring. Keep nurturing her improvement and remain alert to any new symptoms or changes in her behavior. Let me know if you need more information or specific resources.