Falls in the elderly
Nelson, R.C.; Amin, M.A.
Emergency Medicine Clinics of North America 8(2): 309-324
1990
ISSN/ISBN: 0733-8627 PMID: 2187685 Document Number: 365304
Finally, we conclude with a reminder that the causes of falls in the elderly are multifactorial and that some of these factors may be summative. Most falls result from interaction of intrinsic and extrinsic (environmental) factors. In the Emergency Department, it is very important to take a detailed history of the circumstances leading to the fall and to perform a thorough physical examination. Every attempt should be made to identify predisposing factors for the fall and for preventive measures to be initiated. These may include geriatric consultation or a home visit to evaluate home environment. There is a great need for additional research in this field. Falls are one of the syndromes common in the elderly that deserve more careful attention and are considered amenable to both primary and secondary prevention measures.