The Intern At Work: Internal Medicine 276. Guarding Against Gravity – An Approach to Falls
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Mar 23, 2025 In this insightful discussion, Dr. Annabel Chan, an Internal Medicine Resident and author, dives into the complexities surrounding falls in older adults. She highlights the physiological changes that increase fall risk and stresses the importance of thorough assessments and preventative measures. The conversation also underscores the essential collaboration among healthcare professionals to tackle this pressing issue, featuring alarming statistics and recent U.S. guidelines that aim to improve safety for seniors. Tune in for valuable insights!
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Impact and Mechanism of Falls
- Falls affect a third of people over 65 and are leading causes of hospitalizations and death in this group.
- They use multiple body systems to maintain balance, and their failure clues us into underlying health issues.
Aging Systems Affect Balance
- Aging physiologically diminishes vision, vestibular function, and muscle response affecting balance.
- These declines increase body sway and delay corrective responses, raising fall risk.
Initial Fall Patient Assessment
- Always first assess patient stability including ABCs and vital signs after a fall.
- Evaluate for head injury and anticoagulation use to promptly detect serious complications.