Research in Vestibular Science

Original Article

Classification of Chronic Dizziness in Elderly People and Relation with Falls: Dong-Suk Yang, Da-Young Lee, Sun-Young Oh, Ji-Yun Park; Res Vestib Sci. 2018;17(1):13-17. Published online March 15, 2018; DOI: https://doi.org/10.21790/rvs.2018.17.1.13

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Abstract PDF: Objectives
Fall is a major cause of morbidity and mortality among older adults. Falls result from many various causes, and dizziness is important risk for falls, especially in the elderly. Research on the relationship between chronic dizziness and falls in elderly people has been rarely performed and these were no studies that analyzed the risk of falls according to subtypes of chronic dizziness.
Methods
We conducted a prospective study of the association between subtypes of chronic dizziness and falls in the elderly between 65 to 75 years. We divided dizzy patients into 5 groups according to the results of symptom, vestibular and autonomic function test. Falls and new events (acute dizziness or other medical conditions) were checked monthly by telephone or out patient department follow-up for 6 months.
Results
Thirty-four patients were enrolled and all completed follow-up for 6 months. Nine patients classified as the falling groups and 34 patients as nonfalling group. Whereas the frequencies of orthostatic hypotension (n=6, 67%) and vestibular dysfunction (n=1, 11%) were higher in fall group, psychogenic dizziness (n=12, 35%), and vestibular migraine (n=3, 9%) were more frequent in nonfall group.
Conclusions
The presence of dizziness in the elderly is a strong predictor of fall, especially orthostatic hypotension is an important predictor of fall. In order to lower the risk of falls in the elderly, an approach based on the cause of dizziness is needed.

Reviews

Risk of Falls in Dizzy Patients: Sung Kyun Kim, Gi Jung Im; Res Vestib Sci. 2017;16(1):10-16. Published online March 15, 2017; DOI: https://doi.org/10.21790/rvs.2017.16.1.10

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1 Crossref

Dizziness is the most common symptom in elderly patients and has been identified as a risk factor for falls. They can affect objectively the ability to achieve a stable gaze, posture, and gait. Research on the relationship between vestibular hypofunction and falls in elderly people has been rarely performed and the evidence is controversial. Because falls result from various combinations of many factors, validated tools should be used for assessment of falling. Many of the tests and numerous parameters associated with the risk of falling have already been introduced, however guidance on which test is most appropriate for use in a specific setting still lack in the medical community. Therefore, developement of comprehensive fall risk management guideline and assessment tool including physical, psychosocial, environmental factors are necessary to prevent falls in the elderly. Establishment of validity and reliability for relationship among several vestibular function test are more important to evaluate efficiently risk of falls in the dizzy patients. Also we can expect that decreasing risk of fall when conduct the developement of additional customized intervention method using verified assessment tools.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

Exploratory fall risk and preventive intervention in acute vestibular neuritis
Euyhyun Park, Sung Kyun Kim, Jinnyeong Jang, Hye Min Han, Jae Jun Song, Sung Won Chae, Hak Hyun Jung, Gi Jung Im
Journal of International Medical Research.2021; 49(9): 030006052110442. CrossRef

Medications as Risk Factor for Falls: Ye Won Lee, Sung Il Nam; Res Vestib Sci. 2016;15(4):101-106. Published online December 12, 2016; DOI: https://doi.org/10.21790/rvs.2016.15.4.101

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1,576 Download
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Abstract PDF

Falls are the most common cause of accidents among the older population, leading to both fatal and non-fatal injuries. Falls is a syndrome resulting from the cumulative effect of various extrinsic and intrinsic factors. It is considered to be a multifactorial disorder. Medication use is considered a risk factor for falls. We reviewed medications associated with falls in older individuals. In geriatrics populations, polypharmacy is associated with falls. Medical doctors should be aware of the possibility that starting a new medication, such as antihypertensive agents, benzodiazepine, antidepressants, opioid agents and antihistamines, may act as a trigger for the onset of a fall.

Citations

Citations to this article as recorded by

A model for predicting fall experience in the elderly population over 65 years old: Decision tree analysis
Myeunghee Han
Journal of Korean Gerontological Nursing.2022; 24(4): 366. CrossRef
Medications and Falls Experiences among Older People
Jiyoon Han, Eunok Park
Journal of Korean Gerontological Nursing.2021; 23(4): 373. CrossRef
Triggers and Outcomes of Falls in Hematology Patients: Analysis of Electronic Health Records
Min Kyung Jung, Sun-Mi Lee
Journal of Korean Academy of Fundamentals of Nursi.2019; 26(1): 1. CrossRef

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