Falls Flashcards
1
Q
Causes of Falls (conditions)
A
- Seizure
- Stroke
- Cerebellar dysfunction
- Parkinson’s
- Weak muscles e.g. Muscular dystrophy, MS, Myasthenia Gravis, Amytrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Dementia
- Ear problems e.g. vertigo or labrynthitis
- Eye problems e.g. cataracts or glaucoma
- Postural Hypotension caused by Heart failure, Low B.P, Arrhythmias
- Alcohol
2
Q
Causes of Falls (medications)
A
- Antihypertensives (ACEi, BB, CCB)
- Psychotropics (diazepam, lorazepam)
- Anticonvulsants e.g. pregabalin, carbamazepine, lamotrigine
- Sedatives/ sleeping tablets e.g. benzodiazepines (diazepam, alprazolam which is Xanax)
3
Q
Before Fall questions
A
- When was the fall? What time/ How long ago?
- Walk me through what you were doing?
- Were you aware that you were going to fall over?
- Any funny feeling beforehand?
- Any chest pain/ palpitations before?
- Any dizziness before?
- Any weakness before?
- Any loss of vision before?
- Did it feel different to any other fall?
4
Q
During the Fall questions
A
- How did you fall? Trip or lose balance?
- In what direction did you fall?
- Did anything break your fall?
- Did you hit your head at all during the fall?
- What did you fall on?
What position were you in when you fell? - Did you lose consciousness?
5
Q
After the Fall questions
A
- How long were you on the floor?
- Did you call out for help?
- Did someone have to help you up or were you able to get up yourself?
- How did you feel after the fall?
- Were you in pain after the fall?
- Do you feel anything else? (dizziness, nausea etc)
6
Q
Now questions (Fall)
A
- Are you still in any pain?/ Did pain get worse?
- Any bruising or swelling? Where? If Head straight CT
- Do you feel any new weakness in your body since the fall?
- Have you had another fall or similar episode since the original fall?
- Has the fall affected your family activities?
- Are you worried you might fall again?
