(1)
Royal Free NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
Factors predisposing to falls
General:
Advancing age
Female gender
Environmental hazards
Previous falls
Living alone
Physiological/functional
Muscle weakness
Impaired balance/gait
Impaired mobility
Use of assistive devices
Sensory abnormality
Impaired vision
Impaired activities of daily living
Medical factors
Number of diagnoses
Acute illness
Delirium
Postural hypotension
Carotid sinus hypersensitivity
Cognitive impairment
Neurological disease: Parkinson’s disease/stroke
Lower limb disease: peripheral neuropathy; peripheral vascular disease
Depression
Incontinence
Medication
Polypharmacy
Any psychotropic medication
Sedatives-hypnotics, including benzodiazepines
Antidepressants
Digoxin
Vasodilators
Analgesics
Diuretics
Anti-hypertensives (postural hypotension)
Risk factors for falls in the elderly
Accidental: environmental hazards (inadequate lighting, slippery floor, uneven carpet, steps, unsuitable footwear, electrical or extension cords, no grab bars, no handrails on stairways; falls from the bed)
Motor problems
Gait disturbance: Parkinsonism; cerebellar disorders
Balance disorder
Muscle weakness
Sensory impairment
Lower limb proprioception: peripheral neuropathyFull access? Get Clinical Tree