Geries Flashcards
DDx for falls
Vasovagal, micturition, orthostatic hypotension, epilepsy, arrythmia, hypoglycaemia, loss of balance (PD, alzeihmers, peripheral neuropathy), vertigo, muscle weakness, OA, visual, depression, drugs
Important Qs to ask in falls assessment
Start off asking to describe event
Loss of consciousness?
Warning signs? loss of vision, dizziness
Trigger for fall? sitting, micturition, hungry
After the fall- get up quickly?, injury? bladder incontinence? confusion?
Past history of falls- 2 falls in past 6 months? usual type of fall?
Important meds for falls
Antihypertensives, anti-psychotics, anti-depressants, Benzos, diuretics, anti-convulsants, beta blockers
Physical exam for falls
Heart, legs, neuro (eyes, balance, power), postural BP
Organic causes and Ix for fall
FBC (infection, anaemia), UEC (volume status), Glucose, Calcium (delerium), TFT, Urinalysis, Echo, CXR, CT head, Bone density
Mx for fall
review meds, pressure stocking for orthostatic hypotension, OT assessment, physio, personal alarm, regular exercise
Hemiplegic gait key
Arm flexion, circumduction of leg
Diplegic gait key
hip and knee flexion, circumduction leg, no arm involve
Myopathic gait key
pelvis drop to non-weight side
Parkinsonian gait key
shuffling, festination, bradykinesia, turning by numbers, small steps, stooped posture
Cerebellar gait key
Drunken sailor! wide base, unsteady, uncertain
Sensory ataxic gait key
slamming of foot
Timed up and Go
From sitting, walk 3m and sit again (>20s= impaired) normal= 10s
Other exams for Gait assess
Cardio, neuro, MSK, vision, falls risk assessment
DDx hemiplegic gait
stroke, infective, neoplastic, MS, cerebal palsy