Stop Falls Before They Happen
Elderly patients who have fallen often get caught in a "downward spiral," leading to more falls, according to UAB geriatrician Andrew Duxbury, M.D. "Older people who have fallen often become afraid of falling again, so they restrict their activity and mobility, which causes further physical decline and makes them more likely to fall again." Gait disorders are the leading cause of falls in the elderly, but they are often overlooked because many doctors never see their patients walk. Yet the disorders can often be treated or prevented with medications, physical therapy and fall prevention tactics such as installing rails and removing throw rugs in the home.
Contact Tracy Bischoff, Media Relations, 205-934-8935 or [email protected].
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