Have you ever heard of someone being hospitalised after a fall? It may seem like a small incident, but for many, a single fall can change everything. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), falls are the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths worldwide, claiming an estimated 684,000 lives each year. Despite how common they are, falls are often underestimated, with many individuals only seeking medical attention when their symptoms worsen.
Dr. Cyrus Lai Sin Nan, Consultant Emergency Physician at Sunway Medical Centre Velocity (SMCV), shared that it is not uncommon for patients to walk into the Accident & Emergency department after a fall appearing fine, only for scans to reveal serious internal injuries such as bleeding in the brain or abdomen. “Just because there is no broken bone doesn’t mean there is no problem. Some injuries, particularly in the head or abdomen, may not show symptoms immediately, and that timely response can make all the difference,” he explained.
SMCV Dr Cyrus Lai Sin Nan
While falls are often associated with the elderly, they remain one of the leading causes of emergency department visits across all age groups including children, working adults, and athletes. According to Dr. Cyrus, falls rarely occur due to a single cause but are usually the result of a combination of environmental, lifestyle, and medical factors. Many incidents happen at home, especially in bathrooms and on staircases where wet or uneven surfaces make slipping more likely. A sedentary lifestyle weakens muscles and balance, while limited physical activity leaves individuals more vulnerable. Additionally, underlying health conditions such as poor vision, osteoporosis, or low blood pressure, combined with medications that cause dizziness, can further increase the risk of falls.
Because falls can cause anything from minor bruises to life-threatening trauma, having access to a trauma-ready emergency department is essential. At SMCV, trauma cases are managed through a multidisciplinary approach involving physicians and surgeons from various specialties to provide comprehensive care for different types of injuries. This ensures that even injuries not immediately visible are detected and treated swiftly, preventing complications and improving recovery outcomes. For instance, a minor bump on the head can lead to internal bleeding in the brain, which may result in unconsciousness, cognitive impairment, or even long-term neurological complications such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) if left untreated.
At SMCV, trauma cases are managed through a multidisciplinary approach, uniting specialists across various specialties to detect and treat injuries swiftly for better recovery outcomes
Among the elderly, the consequences of falls are often more severe. A single fall can cause hip fractures that require surgical procedures such as total hip replacement to restore mobility and quality of life. This is increasingly concerning, as hip fracture cases in Malaysia are projected to rise 3.5-fold by 2050 from about 6,000 to more than 21,000 cases. “When an elderly person sustains a hip fracture from a fall, total hip replacement is often the best treatment. It not only repairs the trauma but also helps them return to daily activities with less pain and better function,” added Dr. Cyrus.
Given these risks, Dr. Cyrus emphasised that seeking immediate medical attention after a fall can make a crucial difference in recovery. He cautioned against relying on home remedies, as they may worsen the situation. “Drinking something sweet might make a person feel better temporarily, but it doesn’t treat any injury,” he said. Applying ointments or massaging bruised areas right after a fall can also worsen swelling or bleeding. Instead, he advises resting, applying ice, and seeking medical evaluation if pain or swelling persists. “Early assessment allows us to identify hidden injuries and stabilise patients before complications set in. The longer patients wait, the harder recovery becomes,” he added.
SMCV Dr Wee Tong Ming
Recognising the importance of timely care, SMCV has expanded and upgraded its Accident & Emergency Department and inpatient capacity to enhance accessibility, improve patient flow, and strengthen readiness for critical cases. The expansion includes a redesigned layout with improved triage areas, additional treatment and observation bays, more inpatient beds, and faster on-site testing to ensure prompt and coordinated care. “Accident & Emergency care is often the first line of defence in saving lives. Our expansion reflects SMCV’s commitment to providing swift, efficient, and compassionate care for every patient who walks through our doors, because when it comes to emergencies, every second counts,” said Dr. Wee Tong Ming, Medical Director and Consultant Emergency Physician at SMCV.
As Malaysia’s population continues to age and lifestyles become increasingly sedentary, the risk of falls will remain a pressing public health concern. Early recognition, timely emergency care, and continued awareness are key to preventing such incidents from leading to long-term complications. Through its expanded facilities, multidisciplinary expertise, and commitment to excellence, Sunway Medical Centre Velocity continues to play a crucial role in keeping the community safe by ensuring that every patient receives swift, comprehensive, and compassionate care when it matters most.
Sunway Medical Centre Velocity is located at Lingkaran SV, Sunway Velocity. For enquiries, please contact +603 9772 9191 or email smcv-enquiry@sunway.com.my. For more information, visit www.sunmedvelocity.com.my or follow Sunway Medical Velocity on Facebook.
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