Geriatrics Flashcards
(155 cards)
What is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo?
Sudden episodic attacks of vertigo induced by changes in head position
Describe the epidemiology of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Leading cause of vertigo
Increased incidence in the elderly
Increased risk in those with gallstones(calcium deposits)
Describe the aetiology of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Detachment of otoliths from the utricle of the inner ear
Detached particles migrate into semicircular canals where they stimulate hair cells and lead to vertigo symptoms
Acummulation of cholelithiasis in semi circular cells of inner earrr
Describe the presentation of patient with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Vertigo triggered by changes in head position (e.g. rolling in bed, looking up)
Recurrent episodes lasting aroung 30secs-1 minute
May be associated with nausea&vomiting
No auditory symptoms
How is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo diagnosed?
Positive Dix-Hallpike maneouvre
Lie down with one ear pointed to ground-> check for nystagmus
Name some differentials for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Menieres disease
Vestibular neuritis
Labyrinthitis
How is benign paroxysmal positional vertigo managed?
Epley maneuver-works in around 80%(aims to detach otoliths out of semicircular canal and back to utricle)
Usually resolves spontaneously after a few weeks/months
Can teach patients at home exercises: ‘vestibular rehab’: e.g Brandt-Daroff exercisesBetahistine not very useful
Describe the prognosis for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
1/2 will have recurrence of sx 3-5 years after diagnosis
What group of patients are more at risk of developing pressure ulcers?
Patients who are unable to move parts of their body due to illness, paralysis or advancing age
Where do pressure ulcers typicallly develop?
Over bony prminences like the sacrum or heel
Name some risk factors for developing pressure ulcers?
Malnourishment
Incontinence; urinary and faecal
Lack of mobility
Pain-; leads to decreased mobility
What scoring system is used to grade pressure ulcers?
Waterlow score
How are pressure ulcers manageed?
Moist wound environemnt: hydrocolloid dressings and hydrogels(no soap)
Wound swabs not routinely done-> systemic abx use decided on clinical basis(surrounding cellulitis etc)
Consider referral to tissue viability nurses
Surgical debriedement for selected wounds
Whata re lower urinary tract sympotms?
Group of sx that occur as a result of abnormal storage, voiding or post micturition function of bladder, prostate or urethra
Describe the aetiology of LUTS
Neurological
Bladder
Prostate
Urethral
Other mass effect
How can LUTS be classified?
Voiding
Storage
Post-micturition
Name somee voiding symptoms LUTS
Hesitancy
Straining
Terminal dribbling
Incomplete emptying
Weak/intermittent urinary stream
Name some storage sx LUTS
Urgency
Frequency
Nocturia
Urinary incontinence
Name some post-micturition sx LUTS
Post-micturition dribbling
Sensation of incomplete emptying
Name some differentials for LUTS
Bladder outlet obstruction
Overactive bladder syndrome
Urethral stricture
Prostatitis
Bladder cancer
What investigations might be done in a patient presenting with LUTS?
Urinalysis: exclude infection and check for haematuria
DRE: size and consistency of prostate
PSA test may be considered
Bladder diary
Urodynamic studies
How are LUTS managed?
Treat undelrying cause
Depends on type of LUTS
How aare voiding LUTS managed?
Conservatrive: pelvic floor/bladder trianing
BPH-5-alpha reductase inhibitor-finasteride
Alpha blocker if severe-doxazosin
How are voiding and storage LUTS managed?
Alpha blocker-doxazosin
Add anticholinergic-oxybutinin