The evaluation of falls in the emergency department

Falls occur commonly among elderly persons and are often evaluated in the ED when they result in either a minor or serious injury. The injury resulting from the fall should not be the sole focus of the physician's evaluation. Rather, a careful history, physical examination, including the observation of simple physical performance measures, and laboratory evaluation should enable the physician to identify a possible cause of the fall. Specific treatment depends on the cause, but certain immediate interventions can be undertaken, or the patient can be followed up or referred to a specialist as appropriate for each situation.