Cranial trauma in domestic falls: when bedroom aesthetics becomea risk factor

Abstract

Falls are a leading cause of cranial trauma, particularly among older adults, often resulting in severe morbidity and
mortality. A substantial proportion of these events occur within the home, especially during nighttime hours when
individuals awaken to use the bathroom under low-light conditions. While multiple intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors
for domestic falls have been described, certain environmental hazards remain underrecognized. One such factor is
the excessive length of bed coverings that extend to the floor. When stepped on, these textiles may become fixed
under one foot, causing the opposite foot to catch the tensioned fabric and leading to sudden loss of balance and
falls. This mechanism can occur both at night and during daytime, independent of visual impairment. The resulting
impacts may cause cranial trauma or other serious injuries through direct contact with the floor or nearby furniture. This
article highlights bedroom aesthetics as a potential and preventable risk factor for domestic falls and cranial trauma,
emphasizing the importance of simple environmental modifications to improve home safety.