Evaluation of falls in the elderly

Last reviewed: 3 Sep 2024
Last updated: 13 Feb 2024

Summary

Differentials

Common

  • Stroke
  • Transient ischemic attack
  • Joint buckling/instability/mechanical gait disorders
  • Deconditioning
  • Osteosarcopenia
  • Medication effects or polypharmacy
  • Environmental or home hazards
  • Visual impairment
  • Peripheral sensory neuropathy
Full details

Uncommon

  • Vestibular dysfunction
  • Gait disorders
  • Dementia
  • Delirium
  • Depression
  • Seizure
  • Subdural hematoma
  • Syncope
  • Orthostatic hypotension
  • Substance misuse
  • Carotid sinus sensitivity
  • Postprandial hypotension
Full details

Contributors

Authors

Ronan Factora, MD, FACP, AGSF

Associate Professor

Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University

Geriatric Medicine Fellowship Program Director

Center for Geriatric Medicine, Medicine Institute

Cleveland Clinic

Cleveland

OH

Disclosures

RF declares that he has no competing interests.

Peer reviewers

David Thomas, MD

Professor of Medicine

Division of Geriatric Medicine

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis

MO

Disclosures

DT declares that he has no competing interests.

Adam Darowski, MA, MBBS, MD, FRCP

Consultant Physician

Nuffield Department of Medicine

John Radcliffe Hospital

Oxford

UK

Disclosures

AD declares that he has no competing interests.

  • Evaluation of falls in the elderly images
  • Patient information

    Alzheimer disease and other kinds of dementia

    Depression in adults

    More Patient information
  • Videos

    Venepuncture and phlebotomy: animated demonstration

    How to perform an ECG: animated demonstration

    More videos
  • padlock-lockedLog in or subscribe to access all of BMJ Best Practice

Use of this content is subject to our disclaimer