Repeated falling can potentially cause lasting nerve damage, especially if the falls result in trauma to nerves or the spinal cord. The extent and permanence of nerve damage depend on the severity, frequency, and location of the injuries sustained during falls.
Peripheral nerves, which connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body, can be injured by trauma such as falls. Peripheral nerve injuries are classified by severity using systems like the Seddon and Sunderland classifications. These range from mild injuries where only the myelin sheath is damaged (neuropraxia) and full recovery is expected, to severe injuries where the nerve axon and connective tissues are disrupted (neurotmesis), often requiring surgical repair and sometimes resulting in permanent damage[1].
Repeated falls increase the risk of cumulative trauma to nerves, especially if they cause repeated bruising, stretching, or compression of nerves. For example, falls that cause fractures or dislocations can directly injure nerves or cause secondary damage through swelling or inflammation. Over time, repeated minor injuries may lead to axonal degeneration, where the nerve fibers themselves deteriorate, potentially causing lasting sensory or motor deficits[3].
In addition to peripheral nerve injury, repeated falls can cause spinal cord injuries or traumatic brain injuries, which may lead to neurogenic shock—a serious condition affecting autonomic nervous system control and potentially causing chronic health problems[2]. Such injuries can result in lasting neurological deficits, including nerve damage.
Certain conditions that predispose individuals to falls, such as peripheral neuropathies (nerve damage caused by toxins, diseases, or inherited conditions like Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease), can themselves cause nerve damage that worsens with repeated trauma or falls[3][5]. In these cases, the nerve damage may be progressive and compounded by mechanical injury from falls.
Repeated falls can also indirectly contribute to nerve damage by causing wounds, pressure ulcers, or infections in areas with reduced sensation due to existing neuropathy, further complicating nerve health[3].
In summary, repeated falling can cause lasting nerve damage primarily through direct trauma to peripheral nerves or the spinal cord. The severity of damage depends on the nature of the injury, with mild injuries often recovering fully and severe injuries potentially causing permanent deficits. Underlying conditions that affect nerve health can increase vulnerability to lasting damage from falls.
—
**Sources:**
[1] Peripheral Nerve Injury: Causes, Types, and Treatment, Care in Turkey
[2] Understanding Neurogenic Shock: A Critical Overview, Neurolutions
[3] Peripheral Neuropathies Associated with Drugs and Toxins, American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
[5] Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease – Symptoms & Causes, Mayo Clinic
