Falls Flashcards
What % of over 65s suffer falls yearly?
Around 30%.
What % of those with cognitive impairment suffer falls yearly?
Around 80%
Accompanied by an increased mortality rate.
Does cataracts correction surgery reduce fall risk?
No, it actually increases fall risk.
How many concurrent medications convey an increased fall risk?
4 or more.
What can long-term phenytoin therapy cause?
Cerebellar damage
Unsteadiness
What systolic BP in the elderly increases falls risk?
110 mmHg or lower.
In which conditions is Romberg’s test positive?
Proprioceptive and vestibular disorder.
What is the most common cause of ataxia in the elderly?
Peripheral neuropathy.
What is the most common cause of syncopal fall?
Orthostatic hypotension
How can a ‘drop attack’ present?
Sudden collapse without preceding symptoms.
Responsible for 20% of falls.
how is BPPV treated?
Epley manoeuvre.
Dix-Hallpike used to diagnose BPPV.
What must be carried out on any patient presenting after a fall?
ECG
In what situations should urgent CT of the brain be performed following a fall?
GCS < 13 GCS <15 (2 hours after injury) Open/depressed skull fracture Signs of skull base fracture Post-traumatic seizure New focal neurological deficit 2 or more episodes of vomiting
In what situations should a CT of the brain be performed within 8 hours of a fall?
Patient is taking anticoagulation LOC/amnesia since injury alongside One of the following: - >65yo - Dangerous MOA - History of bleeding - 30 mins retrograde amnesia
What is carotid sinus syndrome?
A condition of abnormal activation of the carotid sinus, causing peripheral vasodilation and a reduction in HR.
Results in cerebral hypoperfusion.
