Fall Prevention

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Diagnosis & Tests

Evaluation of Fall Risk

Talk with your healthcare provider about your fall risk. Describe any falls or close calls you have had. This is especially important if you have had two or more falls in the past year, or if you have trouble walking. 

Your provider will want to know what caused you to fall. Be sure to tell them:

  • What were you doing when you fell?
  • How did you feel before the fall(s)? For example, were you dizzy or lightheaded?
  • Did you hit your head and lose consciousness (awareness)?
  • When (time of day) and where did the fall(s) happen?

Your healthcare provider may examine your gait (the way you walk) and balance first. Then ask you about different fall risks. They may recommend that you see a specialist, for example, a physical or occupational therapist. 

If you are at higher risk to fall, the provider will review your risk factors, medical history and do a physical exam. They may do this over several visits. In general, the fall focused exam considers:

Physical/Health Conditions

  • Ability to carry out daily activities
  • Gait and balance
  • Muscle strength and tone, any joint stiffness, arthritis or pain
  • Mood
  • Blood pressure and postural hypotension (low blood pressure when you stand up)
  • Heart rate and rhythm
  • Memory and brain functioning
  • New or chronic illnesses
  •   Vision and hearing

Medications

  • Review of medications taken for those that can contribute to fall risk
  • Any new medications that have been started, especially if high-risk

Environmental

  • Review of home environment or if you’ve had a home safety assessment
  • Foot health and footwear

Lifestyle

  • Alcohol and drug use
  • Diet

Other Related  Tests

Depending on the results of the fall risk interview and exam, the healthcare provider may also ask for or do:

  • Blood and urine tests to check for things that can affect fall risks, such as infection, dehydration (not enough fluids), anemia, or high blood sugar levels. 
  • Bone density test (to assess bone strength).
  • Heart tests if you have had dizziness, fainting, or other symptoms.
  • Brain imaging if a head injury is possible.
  • Drug levels if medications might be at toxic levels.

 

Last Updated July 2024

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