Risk of Falls in Dizzy Patients

Abstract

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. Keywords: Falls; Risk; Prevention; Dizziness 중심 단어: 낙상, 위험, 예방, 어지럼