FALLS IN THE ELDERLY

Falls in the elderly are a common problem with potentially serious con sequences. Elderly persons who fall may incur physical injuries that r esult in hospitalization or even institutionalization. Fear of falling may cause the elderly to restrict their activities and become sociall y isolated. A fall is usually the result of a combination of factors i nvolving the patient and the environment. A patient's risk of falls ma y be assessed on the basis of a complete history, including a drug rev iew and an evaluation of the patient's environment, as well as a thoro ugh physical examination with emphasis on neurologic components and fu nctional performance. Correction or adjustment of even a few of these risk factors may allow the elderly patient to avoid falls.