Falls

Question 1

What are some intrinsic causes of falls?

Answer 1

Balance and gait- stroke, neuropathy, arthritis, NM diseas
Vision
Medication
Cognition
CV- orthostatic hypotension, arrythmia, structural heart disease, anaemia

Question 2

What are some extrinsic causes of falls?

Answer 2

Simple trip
Poor lighting
Stairs
Flooring
Obstacles

Question 3

What would facial injuries- esp bilateral orbital haematomas, suggest?

Answer 3

Loss of consciousness as didn’t manage to protect either eye

Question 4

How are falls assessed?

Answer 4

Determine cause

Assess injuries

Question 5

What investigations are done to assess the cause of falls?

Answer 5

Full history of fall and medical history
Bloods- FBC, glucose, U&Es, TFTs, serum B12
Postural BP
ECG
Eye test
Vestibular function test
Home hazard assessment

Question 6

What are some complications of fall?

Answer 6

Long lie

Loss of confidence

Question 7

What is a long lie?

Answer 7

> 1 hour on floor post fall

Question 8

What are some causes of long lie?

Answer 8

Injury
Location of fall
Weakness
Confusion

Question 9

What are the risk factors for long lie?

Answer 9

Age
Reduced mobility
Severe cognitive impairment
Lack of social support

Question 10

What are the complications of long lie?

Answer 10

Delayed treatment
Dehydration
Pressure injuries
Rhabdomyolysis

Question 11

What is orthostatic hypotension?

Answer 11

BP drop of >20 systolic or >10 diastolic after standing

Question 12

What is the method for measuring postural BP?

Answer 12

Lying after 5 minutes

Standing after 1 minute and 3 minutes

Question 13

What interventions are proven to reduce falls risk?

Answer 13

Physio to improve strength and balance

Home hazard assessment by OT