Tendency to Fall

Fall Propensity: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The following symptoms and complaints may co-occur with increased tendency to fall: Leading symptom Increased tendency to fall Associated symptoms Cephalgia (headache) Muscle tremor Palpitations (heart stuttering) Vertigo (dizziness)/dizziness Syncope – sudden onset of unconsciousness lasting a short time. Nausea (nausea)/vomiting Note!Fear of falling increases the risk of falling. Warning signs (red flags) of falling … Fall Propensity: Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

Fall Propensity: Consequential Diseases

The following are the most important diseases or complications that may be contributed to by fall propensity: Musculoskeletal system and connective tissue (M00-M99). Muscular atrophy due to immobility Psyche – nervous system (F00-F99; G00-G99) Anxiety Depression Symptoms and abnormal clinical and laboratory findings not elsewhere classified (R00-R99). Pain, unspecified Immobility Injuries, poisoning, and other consequences … Fall Propensity: Consequential Diseases

Fall Propensity: Examination

A comprehensive clinical examination is the basis for selecting further diagnostic steps: General physical examination – including blood pressure, pulse, body weight, height; furthermore: Inspection (viewing). Skin (normal: intact; abrasions/wounds, redness, hematomas (bruises), scars) and mucous membranes. Gait pattern or examination of gait and balance: Freely selected walking speed or measurement of the time to … Fall Propensity: Examination

Fall Propensity: Lab Test

2nd order laboratory parameters – depending on the results of the history, physical examination and obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnostic clarification. Small blood count – e.g., evidence of anemia (→ orthostatic hypotension or dizziness) or MCV ↑ (→ alcohol abuse). Inflammatory parameters – CRP (C-reactive protein) or ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate). Urine status … Fall Propensity: Lab Test

Fall Propensity: Diagnostic Tests

Optional medical device diagnostics – depending on the results of the history, physical examination, and obligatory laboratory parameters – for differential diagnosis of falls Electrocardiogram (ECG; recording of the electrical activity of the heart muscle) – to rule out arrhythmia, conduction disorder, or myocardial infarction (heart attack) Computed tomography of the skull (cranial CT, cranial … Fall Propensity: Diagnostic Tests

Fall Propensity: Prevention

To prevent the risk of falls, attention must be paid to reducing risk factors. Intrinsic risk factors Balance disorders Functional and cognitive limitations Reduced hearing and visual performance Weak muscles (insb. leg muscles) Low grip strength General weakness Extrinsic risk factors Drug side effects (including benzodiazepines). Polypharmacy (> 4 prescribed medications). Environmental conditions (e.g., adverse … Fall Propensity: Prevention

Fall Propensity: Medical History

The medical history (history) represents an important component in the diagnosis of fall propensity. Family history Social history Current anamnesis/systemic anamnesis (somatic and psychological complaints). How many times have you had a fall? Have you ever injured yourself in the process? In what situations do you fall? At home, on the street? Do you have … Fall Propensity: Medical History

Fall Propensity: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis

Conditions/factors that may cause a tendency to fall: Congenital malformations, deformities, and chromosomal abnormalities (Q00-Q99). Hydrocephalus (hydrocephalus; abnormal enlargement of the fluid-filled fluid spaces (cerebral ventricles) of the brain). Eyes and eye appendages (H00-H59). Visual acuity reduction (visual impairment). Blood, blood-forming organs – immune system (D50-D90). Anemia (anemia) Endocrine, nutritional, and metabolic diseases (E00-E90). Hyponatremia … Fall Propensity: Or something else? Differential Diagnosis