Lecture 5 Immobility and Falls

Question 1

Name musculoskeletal causes of falls (2)

Answer 1

Arthritis of weight bearing joints

Deformities of feet

Question 2

Name drugs that cause falls

Answer 2

Antihypertensives
Sedatives
Alcohol
Opioids

Question 3

Name neurological causes of falls

Answer 3

Stroke
Parkinson’s
Dementia
Delirium

Question 4

Name sensory causes of falls

Answer 4

Visual impairment
Inattention
Hearing

Question 5

Name cardiovascular causes of falls

Answer 5

Postural hypotension
Arrhythmia
Heart failure
Aortic stenosis

Question 6

How do drugs cause falls

Answer 6

Decreases blood pressure, HR and awareness

Increases urine, sedation, hallucinations, dizziness

Question 7

What underlying pathology can cause an ataxic gait

Answer 7

Cerebellar damage

Question 8

What underlying pathology can cause arthralgia gait

Answer 8

Arthritis

Question 9

What underlying pathology can cause hemiplegic gait

Answer 9

Stroke

Question 10

What underlying pathology can cause small steps, shuffling

Answer 10

(Vascular) Parkinsonism

Question 11

What underlying pathology can cause high stepping gait

Answer 11

Peripheral neuropathy

Question 12

What signs from a head injury would indicate and immediate CT

Answer 12

Low GCS <13
Still confused after 2 hours
Focal neurology
Signs of skull fracture
Basal skull fracture
Seizure
Vomiting
Anti-coagulation