Differentials of acute presentations - Collapse/falls

Question 1

What are neurological causes for a fall/collapse??

Answer 1

• Seizure
• Parkinson’s disease
• TIA/stroke
• Vasovagal
• Situational syncope
• Neuropathy
• Intracranial haemorrhage
• Raised ICP

Question 2

What are cardiovascular causes of collapse/falls?

Answer 2

• MI
• Postural hypotension
• Arrythmias
• Carotid sinus hypersensitivity
• Vertebrobasilar insufficiency
• Subclavian steal syndrome
• HOCM

Question 3

What are non cardiovascular/neurological causes of fall/collapse?

Answer 3

• Drug overdose/withdrawal
• Alcohol
• Mechanical fall/Postural instability
• Ectopic pregnancy
• Ruptured AAA
• DElerium
• Vertigo
• Anaemia
• Hypoglycaemia
• Hypercapnic acidosis
• Sepsis
• Eyesight problems
• Arthritis
• Leg weakness
• Anxiety
• Factitious blackouts
• Chocking
• Heat syncope

Question 4

What would you ask about in someone with a fall when exploring what happened?

Answer 4

• Before - warning/circumstances
• During - duration, LOC, movements, incontinence/tongue biting, complexion
• After - amnesia, muscle pain, confusion/sleepiness, impact
• Background to attacks - previous, frequency
• Associated cardioresp/neuro symptoms