Falls Flashcards
What is the typical decline in MMSE in Alzheimer’s dementia?
3/year
How is a Romberg’s test performed?
Feet together
Eye closed
A positive is a move to fall (not swaying)
How does OA affect the risk of falls?
An antalgic galt is less stable
How do you perform a timed up and go?
Time how long a patient takes to rise from a chair and walk to a cone 3m away and back
What is the most common cause of fall in elderly?
Postural hypotension secondary to medication
What are some cardiac side effects of cholinesterase inhibitors?
Increase ACh at the SA node > Brachycardia and heart block
How does smoking effect falls?
Smoking is a risk factor for osteoporosis
What are some consequences of a long lie?
DVT/PE
Atelectiasis/Pneumonia
Confusion and delirium
Hypothermia
Pressure sores
How can statins increase the risk of falls?
They can cause myalgias, myopathies, and frank rhabdomyalgia; particularly in the elderly
What toxicities of chronic alcohol use can contribute to falls?
Cerebellar intoxicity
Peripheral neuropathy
Wernicke’s neuropathy
Frontal lobe neuropathy
Proximal myopathy
What is the difference between T and Z scores for osteoporosis?
T is compared to a 30 year old female
Z is compared to age matched individuals
How does vitamin D deficiency contribute to falls?
Vitamin D is important for bone and muscle strength
What does a positive Romberg’s indicate?
Deficient in proprioception
What bones are at risk in a FOOS?
Radius/Ulna (Colles’ fracture)
Scaphoid
What are some Hx questions of a fall?
?Loss of a consciousness
Prodrome
PMx
