Falls
Epidemiology
Risk Factors
Aetiology
Investigations
Bloods: FBC (inf), UEC (electrolyte imbalance, hypoNa = confusion, hyperNa = dehydration), CRP (inf), ESR (ca, autoimmune, polymyalgia), BSL (hypogly), Fe studies (anaemia)
CT brain (BG, vascular, NPH)
Dementia (B12, Folate, TFT)
Source
A/Prof George Razay 2015
- 1/3 >65y yearly
- 2/3 of accidents caused by falls
Risk Factors
- Change in postural control/ gait (proprioception, reflex, tone)
- Pathological conditions
Aetiology
- Cardio (Syncope)
- Neuro (Vestibular, vision, vertigo, seizure, sensation, stroke, congnition, movement d/o, PN, dementia)
- Drugs (Alcohol, drowsy, psychotropics, antidepressants - EPSE)
- Mechanical (bladder instability)
- Psych (depression)
Investigations
Bloods: FBC (inf), UEC (electrolyte imbalance, hypoNa = confusion, hyperNa = dehydration), CRP (inf), ESR (ca, autoimmune, polymyalgia), BSL (hypogly), Fe studies (anaemia)
CT brain (BG, vascular, NPH)
Dementia (B12, Folate, TFT)
Source
A/Prof George Razay 2015