Falls

Question 1

What are some non-pharmacological interventions which can be made in people at risk of falls?

Answer 1

Strength and balance training
Home hazard assessment and intervention
Vision assessment and referral
Medication review with modification/withdrawal

Question 2

What are some common medicines which can be associated with falls?

Answer 2

Psychotropic medications - drowsiness, slow reactions, impaired balance, postural hypotension.
MAOIs - postural hypotension
Opiate analgesics - sedation, slow reactions, impaired balance.
Anti-epileptics - unsteadiness and ataxia (affected co-ordination, balance, speech)
Antihypertensives

Question 3

What is postural hypotension?

Answer 3

Sustained reduction of systolic blood pressure of at least 20mm/Hg and/or a diastolic blood pressure of at least 10mm/Hg which occurs when going from sitting to standing.

Question 4

What can be used to treat postural hypotension?

Answer 4

Fludrocortisone
Domperidone
Midodrine
Pyridostigmine

Question 5

How should iron deficiency be treated?

Answer 5

Ferrous sulfate 200mg once a day on an empty stomach.

Question 6

What can be prescribed for primary prevention of fractures?

Answer 6

Bisphosphonates
Calcium
Vitamin D