Treatment of drop attacks with nifedipine: a case report

Drop attacks are sudden, unexpected, nonsyncopal falls, which are not preceded or accompanied by loss of consciousness, dizziness, lightheadedness, or loss of balance. They can be a manifestation of epilepsy, brain stem tumors, and a variety of other conditions. In the elderly, they have been associated with vertebrobasilar insufficiency, cervical spondylosis, or both. However, the specificity and etiology of drop attacks have come under some scrutiny in recent years. The patient described in this case report experienced frequent drop attacks that were effectively prevented with nifedipine. Possible pathophysiologic mechanisms are discussed and the relevant literature is reviewed.