disequilibrium in the elderly
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Introduction
A disorder characterized by an unsteady gait, generally in elderly individuals with multiple medical problems.
Etiology
(associated disorders)
- visual impairment:
- CNS disorders
- Parkinson's disease
- cerebellar atrophy, cerebellar infarct
- stroke
- pontocerebellar angle tumor: acoustic neuroma
- vertebrobasilar insufficiency
- peripheral neuropathy
- degenerative joint disease of the cervical spine
- deconditioning
- orthostatic hypotension
- polypharmacy[3]
Epidemiology
- predominantly a disorder of the elderly
Clinical manifestations
- dizziness
- unsteadiness
- visual impairment may be present
- numbness
- weakness or incoordination of extremities
- oscillopsia
Laboratory
Management
- physical therapy
- supportive devices
- medication reconciliation
- fall prevention
More general terms
References
- ↑ Saunders Manual of Medical Practice, Rakel (ed), WB Saunders, Philadelphia, 1996, pg 1013-15
- ↑ Mayo Internal Medicine Board Review, 1998-99, Prakash UBS (ed) Lippincott-Raven, Philadelphia, 1998, pg 663
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Medical Knowledge Self Assessment Program (MKSAP) 11, 15, 19. American College of Physicians, Philadelphia 1998, 2009, 2021.
- ↑ Bruera E & Neumann CM Management of specific symptom complexes in patients receiving palliative care. Canadian Medical Assoc. J (CAMJ):158:1717, 1998 PMID: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9676549
- ↑ Geriatric Review Syllabus, 7th edition Parada JT et al (eds) American Geriatrics Society, 2010