November 5, 2015 - Falls

Question 1

Fractures and Falls

Answer 1

5% of falls will result in a fracture.

Majority lose a level of independence with each fracture. 1/4 to 1/3 may also die.

Falls are the most common cause of death in patients over 75

Question 2

Reasons for Falling

Answer 2

Neuromuscular

Special senses

Specific illnesses

Medications

Environmental hazards

Question 3

Falls are Multifactorial

Answer 3

Many factors go together to create a fall.

With zero risk factors, the yearly rate of a fall is 8%. With 4 or more risk factors, that jumps up to 78%.

Question 4

Screening for Falls

Answer 4

Ask all patients above 70 years old about falls, balance, difficulties walking in the previous year. Observe the patient getting in and out of a chair and walking.

0-1 falls: recommend strength and balance exercises

>1 fall: multifactorial assessment

Question 5

Osteoporosis

Answer 5

A loss of bone mass. This occurs naturally with age and is especially prominent in post-menopausal women.

Very important to try to minimize or prevent osteoporosis, because it goes hand in hand with falls. Much more likely to break bones, but still, it is multifactorial overall and osteoporosis is just one factor.

Prevent by taking 2000 IU of Vitamin D and 1000mg of calcium.