Geriatrics Flashcards
What is the pathophysiology of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo?
calcium carbonate crystals called otoconia become displaced in the semicircular canals which disrupt the usual flow of endolymph triggering vertigo
what are the 4 possible causes of BPPV?
viral infection
trauma
aging
idiopathic
what are 3 features of BPPV?
20-60 second duration
triggered by movement
no hearing loss or tinnitus
what does the Dix-Hallpike manouver test for?
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
what is a positive Dix-Hallpike?
nystagmus is observed - beating is towards affected ear
what manoeuvre is used to test for BPPV?
Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre
what manoeuvre is used to treat BPPV?
epley manoeuvre
what exercises can be done by patients to improve BPPV?
Bradt-daroff exercises
what are the 4 most common causes of peripheral (vestibular) vertigo?
Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Menieres disease
vestibular neuritis
labrinthitis
What is Meniere’s disease?
excessive build up of endolymph in semicircular canals which causes high pressure and sensory signals
what are 8 features of menieres disease?
hearing loss
tinnitus
vertigo
sensation of fullness in ear
Nystagmus during attack
last several hours
not associated with movement
unilateral hearing loss
drop attacks
what is acute vestibular neuritis?
inflammation of the vestibular nerve usually due to viral infection. Typically presents as acute onset vertigo which improves within a few weeks. No hearing loss
what is labrynthitis?
inner ear inflammation usually due to viral infection which causes acute onset vertigo which improves within a few weeks and can causes hearing loss
what are the 4 most common central causes of vertigo?
posterior circulation stroke
tumour
MS
vestibular migraine
what kind of vertigo do you get with central casues?
non-positional
doesn’t affect hearing
no tinnitus
what is a test that can be used to determine a peripheral cause of vertigo?
the head impulse test
what is the head impulse test?
for peripheral causes of vertigo
ask patient to fix eyes on nose, move head rapidly 10-20 degrees to one side then slowly back to middle then to other side
Positive if eyes saccade (rapidly move back and forth) before fixing back on nose
what is the test of skew?
tests for central cause of vertigo
ask patient to look at nose, cover one of their eyes then the other alternating, if eye has to refix on nose after being uncovered - may indicate central vertigo
what test can be used to determine a central cause of vertigo?
the test of skew
what medications can be used to manage peripheral vertigo acutely?
prochlorperazine 5-30mg TDS
antihistamines
what medication can be used prophylactically for Menieres disease?
Betahistine
what is the classical triad of menieres disease?
hearing loss
vertigo
tinnitus
what is the increased pressure in the semicircular canals in menieres disease called?
endolymphatic hydrops
what is the T score in osteoporosis?
<-2.5
what are 8 risk factors for osteoporosis?
Increased age
Female
Reduced mobility
Low BMI
FHx
Rheumatoid arthritis
alcohol and smoking
long term corticosteroids
Post menopause
what tool is used to identify risk of osteoporotic fracture in the next 10 years?
FRAX score
what is the T-score range for osteopenia?
-1 to -2.5
what are 7 lifestyle changes that can help in the management of osteoporosis?
increased exercise
maintain healthy weight
good ca intake
good Vit D intake
avoiding falls
stopping smoking
How do bisphosphonates work?
reduce osteoclastic activity
what are 3 examples of bisphosphonates?
Alendronate (70mg once week)
risedronate (35mg once a week)
Zoledronic acid (5mg once yearly IV)
what are 4 side effects of bisphosphonates?
reflux and oesophageal erosions
atypical fractures
osteonecrosis of the jaw
osteonecrosis of external auditory canal
How should bisphosphonates be taken?
First thing in the morning on an empty stomach at least 30 mins before eating
Sit upright for 30 mins
With at least 240ml of water
what are 4 non-bisphosphonate medications for osteoporosis?
Denosumab - prevents osteoclast activity
Strontium ranelate - stimulates osteoclasts, increase VTE risk
Raloxifene - secondary prevention, stimulates oestrogen receptors on bone
HRT
what follow up is necessary in osteoporosis?
follow up DEXA in 3-5 years
what is the first line tx for osteoporosis?
lifestyle management
Bisphosphonates
Vitamin D (colecalciferol) and calcium
what are 9 risk factors for constipation?
social
- low fibre ditet
- changes in normal routine
- lack of exercise/reduced mobility
what are the 4 different types of laxitives?
Bulk forming
osmotic
stimulat
Softening
what are 2 examples of bilk forming laxitives?
fybrogel - ispaghula
methylcellulose
take a few days to work
what are 3 examples of osmotic laxitives
Lactulose
macrogol
Polyethylene glycol
take a few days to work
what are 3 stimulant laxitives?
Bisacodyl
senna
sodium picosulfate
take 6-12 hours to work
what are 2 stool softeners?
arachis oil
docusate
which type of laxitives are first line?
bulk forming
what type of laxitives should be used in opiate induced constipation?
osmotic (macrogol, lactulose) and stimulant
what counts as chronic constipation?
> 3 months
what is faecal loading?
retention of faeces to the extent that spontaneous evacuation is unlikely
which sided heart failure causes pulmonary oedema?
right
which sided heart failure causes peripheral oedema?
left
what is a normal ejection fraction?
50%
what is ejection fraction?
the percentage of blood pumped out of LV with each ventricular contraction