$Unique_ID{BRK01121}
$Pretitle{Circulatory System}
$Title{When An Older Person Falls}
$Subject{brain stroke aging}
$Volume{G-1}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


When An Older Person Falls


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QUESTION:  My mother lives alone in another city.  We received a call from her
neighbors that she fell in her apartment, but now seems well enough.  She
refuses to go to the doctor, and we are worried that she may have had a small
stroke.  Is this a possibility?  Can you please counsel us?

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ANSWER:  When an older person falls, especially when there are no witnesses
present, it may take a bit of detective work to determine just what did
happen.  Certainly a small stroke is a possibility, or a T.I.A. (transient
ischemic attack).  In the case of a T.I.A., there may be no signs left after a
brief period of time to help clear up the situation, and the mystery may never
be completely resolved without medical evaluation.  However, since these
attacks may recur, a diagnosis and treatment is certainly required now, and it
may require a visit from a close member of the family to convince your mother
of the seriousness of the problem.  Many older people will not remember all
the particulars of an accident, or recall the circumstances that preceded the
fall.  A careful look around her apartment may reveal the source, or potential
sources for an accident.  Dark, or poorly lit halls and corridors, slippery
floor surfaces or scatter rugs, boxes or other small objects lying about may
trip anyone, and should be cleaned up or removed.  More important still, to my
medical mind, are all the conditions still undiagnosed that can contribute to
these reported falls.  Neurological problems that change the gait or mobility,
vertigo or dizziness, failing eyesight (perhaps from developing cataracts),
reactions from new medications or even the sudden lowering of blood pressure
that occurs when standing or arising too swiftly (postural hypotension) all
may be the underlying cause of a "simple" fall.  Muscle weakness, anemia, poor
eating habits and emotional problems, can also be contributing factors, and
the list can go on and on.  While it may be but an isolated accident, it would
be unwise to allow the situation to go unexplained, and imprudent to overlook
the possibility that there are medical circumstances that caused this episode
that can be treated, and so prevent a future fall that could lead to greater
tragedy.  My advice, either get someone into that home that your mother
respects, or start packing your bags for a most necessary journey.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
