Falls and fall risk

Overview

Falls can cause broken hips and head injuries.

Symptoms

Common signs:

• Falls or fear of falling
• Falling or nearly falling

Less common

• Dizziness
• Unsteady walking

Look up a symptom: Dizziness · Dizzy or lightheaded when standing up · Falling or nearly falling · Muscle weakness in arms or legs · Trouble with balance or walking

When to get medical care

Causes

Weak muscles, medicines, vision, home hazards.

Does it spread or run in families?

• It isn't contagious. You can't catch it from someone else.

Who is more likely to get it

• Over 65

Possible complications

• Hip fracture

Diagnosis

A clinician checks risk.

Questions you may be asked

• Past falls, medicines

The exam

Balance and gait test.

Treatment

Lower your risk.

Self-care

• Do strength and balance exercises like tai chi
• Remove trip hazards
• Add grab bars
• Get eyes checked
• Review medicines

Prevention

To prevent falls:

• Exercise
• Home safety

Which doctor treats this

• Start with your primary care provider (family doctor or internist).
• They may send you to a geriatrician (doctor for older adults).

Children, pregnancy, and older adults

• Adults over 65: 1 in 4 fall each year.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• If you're pregnant or planning to be, tell your prenatal provider about this condition.
• Don't start or stop any medicine on your own. Some are safe in pregnancy and some need to be changed.
• Ask before taking any pain reliever. The FDA advises avoiding ibuprofen and naproxen after 20 weeks unless your doctor says to.
• Breastfeeding: Most medicines are fine, but ask. The NIH LactMed database lists what's known about each one.

For caregivers

• Set up a pill organizer and a simple daily routine.
• Make the home safe from falls.
• Go to visits with them and write down what the doctor says.
• Take breaks and ask for help. Caregivers need care too.

Outlook

Many are preventable.

Exercise and home safety cut falls a lot.

Getting ready for your visit

Bring a list of your symptoms and medicines.

Questions to ask

• Could my medicines cause dizziness?
• Do I need a bone density test?

Research studies

Research studies test new ways to find and treat health problems. Some are looking for volunteers. Talk with your doctor before joining one.

Search ClinicalTrials.gov for studies on Falls and fall risk