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O |
 

  
O Balance related falls are the leading cause of deaths in
elderly
O Annual fall rates:
O 30% of those > 65
O 50% of those > 80
O 25% of patients > 50 who fx a hip die within 12 months,
and 40% within 24 months
` 

 
O 2izziness is the #1 reason for falls
O Loss of protective sensation is #2
O 50% of falls in elderly can be attributed to vestibular
dysfunction
2
O Lightheadedness: feeling faint
O Vertigo: Perception of movement, either self or
surroundings
O Oscillopsia: Experience of objects that are known to
stationary appear to be moving
O 2isequilibrium: Unsteadiness, imbalance
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2
O Otologic: 50% (vestibular)
O CNS: 22% (TBI, CVA, Migraine, etc)
O Psychogenic: 15% anxiety, panic, depression)
O Medication: 5%
O Other


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O Vestibular
O Somatosensory
O Visual
O Musculo-Skeletal
O Cognitive

O g
 
   



 

 

 

O ›istorically reactive vs. proactive
O Research shows traditional therapy programs have
little to no effect on fall risk
O Strengthening and increasing functional endurance
does not impact balance systems
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• Identification of At Risk
›




 Population



• Referral
• Treatment

• 2iagnostics

 
 • Videonystagmography
 
 



• all Track Evaluation
• Treatment

• Identification of At Risk

  Population


• Referral
• Treatment
 m
 
m
No history of dizziness/falls

No further referral
Patient from:
¬›ome Care
¬Ambulatory Office
¬Extended Care acility or patients who are part
A candidates, ›ome Care
Therapy initiated with
›istory of dizziness/falls Negative indings all Track eval at
¬ indings sent back to beginning and at
primary 2ischarge to objectively
Referral obtained from show attainment of goals
primary physician to
2iagnostic Center Positive indings
¬ indings and or patients who are part
recommendation sent B Candidates, Outpatient
back to primary for home Therapy is initiated with
care therapy all Track eval at
beginning and at
2ischarge to objectively
show attainment of goals

After treatment is completed and goals attained, the patient will be re-assessed q 12-18 months or sooner with symptoms
 
 
 
 
O E-mail questions or comments to:
O jbenanti@vinebranchconsulting.com