Falls in the elderly population

Falls among elderly persons remain a difficult problem with few easy solutions. Falls are symptomatic of underlying clinical deficits, and a multidisciplinary approach is essential in identifying the risk factors and appropriate treatments for these patients. Patients with chronic medical conditions, such as spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, and amputations, possess additional unique risk factors that must be addressed. Interventions include treatment of potentially reversible medical conditions such as B12 and vitamin D deficiencies and home modifications,balance and exercise training programs, medication modification, hip protectors, and monitoring devices. Physicians, patients, family members, and caretakers should be reminded that minimizing falls risk requires persistence, patience, and dedication. Progress may not be noted overnight, but adherence to recommendations correcting intrinsic and extrinsic factors can help to minimize falls and their potentially devastating complications.