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What is Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
MC cause of vertigo
sudden onset of dizziness and vertigo triggered by changes in head position
inner ear problem
What are features of Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
vertigo triggered by change in head position (e.g. rolling over in bed or gazing upwards)
may be associated with nausea
Symptoms settle after around 20 – 60 seconds
positive Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre
What is Dix-Hallpike manoeuvre
rapidly lower the patient to the supine position with an extended neck
a positive test recreates the symptoms of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
rotatory nystagmus towards the affected ear
How is Symptomatic relief given for Benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Epley manoeuvre (successful in around 80% of cases)
teaching the patient exercises they can do themselves at home, termed vestibular rehabilitation, for example Brandt-Daroff exercises
what causes BPPV
caused by crystals of calcium carbonate called otoconia that become displaced into the semicircular canals
What is MC location of BPPV
posterior semicircular canal.
What can displace crystals of calcium carbonate in ear
viral infection, head trauma, ageing or without a clear cause.
what does peripheral cause of veritgo mean
the problem is located in the inner ear rather than the brain.
What is the Epley manoeuvr
move the crystals in the semicircular canal into a position that does not disrupt endolymph flow.
What is recurrence rate of BBPV
half will have recurrence 3-5 years after their diagnosis
WHat age group has highest risk of falls
over the age of 65 have the highest risk of falling with 30% of those over 65 and 50% of those over 80 falling at least once a year
What medical conditions could contribute to fall
Stroke
MS
Parkinson’s disease
Infection
Vasovagal syncope
Arrhythmias
Diabetes
Anaemia
pneumonia
Chronic pain
What medication can cause fall
Beta-blockers (bradycardia)
Diabetic medications (hypoglycaemia)
Antihypertensives (hypotension)
Benzodiazepines (sedation)
Antibiotics (intercurrent infection)
WHat can falls lead to
fractures, particularly hip fractures, which have high rates of disability and death
How can fall be investigated
- orthostatic blood pressure measurements to detect postural hypotension
- ECG for cardiac arrhythmias
- Imaging studies if fracture or intracranial injury is suspected
- Cranial nerve examination
- Medication Review
What are types of Non-Accidental Falls
Syncope-related Falls:
Gait/Balance-related Falls:
Muscle Weakness-related Falls:
How is Functional Ability Assessed
Timed Up and Go test (TUG) or Berg Balance Scale (BBS)
What is included in a full falls risk assessment.
Gait
Visual problems
Hearing difficulties
Medications review
Alcohol intake
Cognitive impairment
Postural hypotension
Continence
Footwear
Environmental hazards
WHat is Frailty
multidimensional syndrome, is characterised by diminished strength, endurance and physiological function
What are two types of Frailty
physical frailty and frailty phenotype
What si physical frailty
weight loss, exhaustion, low physical activity, slowness and weakness
what is frailty phenotype
includes cognitive and social aspects
What are clinical implications of frailty
higher risk of adverse health outcomes such as falls, delirium, disability and hospitalisation
What is the significant implications of Frailty on treatment
altered pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics