Falls Flashcards
State 3 causes of falls.
Cardiovascular (syncope - fainting). Neurological (parkinson’s/dementia). Musculoskeletal. Fatigue. Environmental (hazards/curbs). Psychological.
State 3 risk factors for falls.
Social demographic e.g. age, previous falls, female, inactivity. Medical conditions e.g. stroke, dementia, parkinson’s disease, depression, arthritis, dizziness, incontinence. Medication e.g. hypnotics, antidepressants, anti-hypertensive. Sensorimotor - visual impairment (depth perception), sensory impairment (tactile sense, proprioception). Balance and mobility (difficulty from seated to standing). Psychological (fear of falling). Environmental (poor footwear, incorrect glasses).
What is syncope?
Transient loss of consciousness (fainting).
What is the most common cause of syncope?
Postural hypotension.
State 2 causes cardiovascular causes of syncope.
Neurally medicated disorder. Intrinsic cardiac abnormalities.
State 3 neurally mediated syndromes.
Vasovagal syncope e.g. faint as overreact to triggers. Carotid sinus syndrome e.g. dizziness from reduced transient cerebral perfusion. Orthostatic hypotension e.g. reduced blood pressure when you stand up quickly. Postprandial hypotension e.g. reduced blood pressure after a meal. Situational syncopes e.g. cough, sneezes, defecation, gastrointestinal stimulation.
State 2 intrinsic cardiac abnormalities.
Arrhythmias. Ventricular fibrillation/tachycardias. Valvular stenosis. Hyper-obstructive cardiomyopathy.
What is meant by orthostatic hypotension/postural hypotension?
A reduction in systolic blood pressure of 20mmHg or more after standing for at least one minute.
When the cardiovascular abnormality is unexplained, which factors increase the risk of falls?
Abnormal ECG. History of cardiac disease. Low blood pressure. Dysnea. Hematocrit < 30. Family history of sudden cardiac disease.
State 3 systems that influence balance.
Visual. Vestibular. Somatosensory.
What is the vestibular system?
It includes the parts of the inner ear and brain that help control balance and spatial orientation.
How are electrical signals sent to brain in ear?
Via vestibular branch of vestibulocochlear nerve.
State the 3 neurological disorders associated with balance.
Chronic disease. Parkinson’s disease. Dementia.
What is meant by sarcopenia?
Ageing (loss of muscle mass) - reduced strength and power so more falls.
State 3 two things looked at during gait analysis.
Does it look normal? Are they using a walking aid? Is it a normal speed? Is it symmetrical? Look at timing (steps/minute). Sizing of steps.
