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Published on: August 30, 2019
Falls in patients with vestibular deficits
S J Herdman1, P Blatt, M C Schubert
1Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia 30322, USA.
The American Journal of Otology
|November 15, 2000
Summary
Patients with bilateral vestibular hypofunction experience significantly more falls than those with unilateral deficits. Increased fall risk in bilateral vestibular hypofunction warrants counseling and consideration of assistive devices.
Area of Science:
- Vestibular system disorders
- Geriatric medicine
- Fall prevention
Background:
- Vestibular hypofunction, affecting balance and spatial orientation, is a common cause of falls.
- Understanding the fall risk associated with different types of vestibular hypofunction is crucial for patient management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the incidence of falls in patients with unilateral vestibular hypofunction (UVL) and bilateral vestibular hypofunction (BVL).
- To compare fall rates between UVL and BVL patients and with the general population.
Main Methods:
- Prospective clinical study involving outpatients with confirmed UVL (n=70) and BVL (n=45).
- Data collected on the incidence of falls since the onset of vestibular deficit.
- No specific interventions were applied.
Main Results:
- BVL patients reported a significantly higher incidence of falls compared to UVL patients.
- UVL patients' fall incidence was comparable to the general population when age-adjusted.
- BVL patients aged 65-74 had higher fall rates than controls, but those over 75 had lower rates, possibly due to assistive device use and reduced risk-taking.
Conclusions:
- Bilateral vestibular hypofunction is a significant risk factor for falls.
- Patients with BVL should be counseled on their increased fall risk.
- Assistive devices are recommended for individuals over 65 with BVL to mitigate fall risk.
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