Causes of Falls in Elderly

Question 1

Haematological causes of presyncopic/syncopic falls? (3)

Answer 1

1 Hypoglycaemia 2 electrolyte abnormalities 3 anaemia

Question 2

Vascular causes of presyncopic/syncopic falls? (4)

Answer 2

1 vagal vasodilation 2 medicinal vasodilation (ACE inhibitors) 3 hypovolaemia 4 orthostatic hypotension

Question 3

Obstructive causes of presyncopic/syncopic falls? (4)

Answer 3

1 Aortic stenosis 2 PE 3 TIA 4 Stroke

Question 4

Cardiogenic causes of presyncopic/syncopic falls?

Answer 4

1 Arrythmia 2 reduced contractility due to cardio myopathy 3 reduced contractility due to medications (beta and Ca channel blockers)

Question 5

What is vertigo?

Answer 5

Feeling of spinning/dizziness

Question 6

Common peripheral causes of vertigo? (3)

Answer 6

1 BPPV 2 labrynthitis 3 vestibular neuronitis

Question 7

Common central causes of vertigo? (2)

Answer 7

1 Acoustic neuroma 2 brainstem infarct (leading to anoxia of vertebrobasilar system)

Question 8

Unclassified causes of falls? (2)

Answer 8

1 seizure 2 ADR