Frequent Falls: What They Mean & What to Do
As a Physical medicine and Rehab specialist [Physiatrist] I come across many cases of people presenting with complaints of falls. A fall is never a happy experience! The body was made to avoid falls by having a centre of gravity. Multiple and frequent falls are to be taking seriously regardless of the person’s age as they are a sign of a problem in one of the many systems in the body.
I will touch on some of the most common causes of frequent falls I come across here in the clinic. This is by no means the complete list of all the causes of frequent falls. Always inform your doctor immediately after any fall.
Spinal stenosis occurs when the space in the spine from which your motor nerves pass through to run down into your legs is blocked/narrowed by a slipped disc, arthritis or both. The motor nerves give strength to your muscles. If they get damaged by the pinching/pressure on them due to the stenosis then you may have weakness in your legs and feet. It is important to note that you may not have any low back pain. 3.What to do and some tips to prevent falls.
As stated earlier contact a medical personnel after you sustain a fall. If you hit your head after your fall you should go to the ER to ensure you are not bleeding in the brain. Always let your Primary doctor know if you had a fall or have been falling frequently. If you are referred to see a Physiatrist such as myself, I will conduct a detailed history and physical exam which will identify most of the causes of falls I listed above. Diagnostic testing will be ordered as well.
Treatment will depend on the cause of your falls.
Tips to prevent falls
Please note these are tips and do not take the place of a thorough exam by a Physician. Here are some tips I give our patients.
Use an assisted device such as a cane, walker or wheel chair if one has been prescribed to you. If you have been given a leg brace [AFO] please wear it. Many people feel awkward about using their cane or walkers please try not to feel this way, safety comes first. Wear proper supportive shoes. Have anti slip shower stickers in your shower and bath. Wear anti slip socks especially if you have hardwood floors. Have railings installed in your home if you are unable to walk or transfer without holding on to something.Cervical Spine Stenosis With Myopathy - Bookshelf
Geriatric Rheumatology, A Comprehensive Approach
Involvement of the cervical spine is termed dropped head syndrome, ... a pattern of muscle involvement distinct from that caused by spinal stenosis [135]. ...Clinical neurophysiology, official journal of the International Federation of Clinical Neurophysiology
... borderline tending toward myopathy, and as myopathic. ... myelopathy (CM) and MR evidence of primary and/or secondary stenosis of cervical spinal canal ...Clinical neurology of the older adult
When symptoms are present, they are similar to those described for cervical spinal stenosis from osteoarthritis. However, compression of the medulla or ...Pitfalls in Cervical Spine Surgery, Avoidance and Management of Complications
Denaro V (1991) Stenosis of the cervical spine. Springer, Berlin 3. Wilson C ( 2005) Rotator cuff versus cervical spine: making the diagnosis. ...Arthritis and allied conditions, a textbook of rheumatology
Myelography in the elderly and the diagnosis of spinal stenosis. Spine ... Severe cervical myopathy due to diffuse hypertrophy of the cervical posterior ...Day-to-day News Directory
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Cervical spine X-rays may not provide enough. information to confi rm cervical stenosis, ... confused with myelopathy. In mild cases of cervical stenosis with or ...
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Cervical stenosis with myelopathy is a degenerative condition that pinches the spinal cord. Learn about cervical stenosis symptoms, treatments and surgery.
Spine Talk - Spinal Stenosis
Diseases of the Spine and Spinal Problems. Spinal Stenosis (Moderators: admin, Rycado, ... 1. 144. Cervical stenosis with myelopathy. 0. 145. Cervical Stenosis. 1. 104 ...
Fluoride & Spinal Stenosis
"Spinal stenosis is a narrowing of spaces in the spine (backbone) that ... Posttraumatic pseudomenigocoele of cervical spine in a patient with skeletal fluorosis: ...
Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy - American Family Physician
Article on cervical spondylotic myelopathy the common cause of spinal cord dysfunction. Includes clinical history, imaging and diagnostic studies, diagnosis, and treatment.