Description
Causes of Falls in the Elderly - Differential Diagnosis Algorithm
- Intrinsic Factors -
Presyncope / Syncope
• Cardiac
• Non-Cardiac
Sensory Impairments
• Vision
• Vestibular
• Neuropathy
• Proprioception
Neurological / Psychiatric
• Stroke
• Parkinsonism
• Cognition
• Depression
• Other
Performance Measures
• Weakness
• Decreased Balance
• Gait Abnormalities
Musculo-skeletal
• Arthritis
- Extrinsic Factors -
Drugs
• Polypharmacy - esp. > 4 medications
• Psychotropics
Environment
• Rugs
• Stairs
• Lighting
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