Falls

Question 1

List some causes of falling related to ageing

Answer 1

Reduced reactions
Visual impairment
Sarcopenia
Poor sensory awareness
Decreased exercise (less fitness)

Question 2

List some cardiovascular causes of falls

Answer 2

Syncope
Dizziness/vertigo/BPPV
Orthostatic hypotension
Arrhythmias
Valve disease

Question 3

List some musculoskeletal cause of falls

Answer 3

Joint pain
Arthritis
Sarcopenia

Question 4

List common drugs that increase the risk of falls

Answer 4

Benzodiazepines
Neuroleptics
Anti-hypertensives
Anti-cholinergics
Anti-depressants
Anti-arrhythmias (digoxin)

Question 5

What management has the strongest evidence for reducing falls risk?

Answer 5

Strength and balance training 3x a week for 12 weeks