Prevention of falls in the elderly.

To prevent falls effectively, one must first understand the underlying reasons. Although environmental factors are sometimes to blame, the fundamental cause is a decline in postural control which is partly age-related and partly due to pathologic changes in the central nervous system. Dizziness is a common complaint among those who fall, and it is often caused by a central or peripheral vestibular disorder. Many patients who complain of dizziness do not have true vertigo but are expressing a fear of falling. Balance exercises can improve postural control and confidence in these patients. Falls are not inevitable in old age and may be prevented by maintenance of health, mobility and confidence, the avoidance of certain drugs, identification of specific problems such as cardiac arrhythmias or postural hypotension, and attention to environmental hazards.