Creating Waves of Awareness Falls and ‘off legs’ If a person
falls on ground suddenly, and is brought to you, it is very
difficult to make the case history. Hereunder are given some
important points to consider. Points to assess in the case after
a fall • Circumstances of fall (e.g. place, time of day,
witnessed) • Symptoms before fall (e.g. presyncope/ syncope,
palpitations) • Injuries sustained • Contributory factors (e.g.
dementia, previous stroke, parkinsonism, lower limb joint
disorders, foot disorders) • Previous falls if any • Previous
syncope • Usual effort tolerance (e.g. able to climb stairs;
able to walk on ﬂat; able to manage activities of daily living)
• Walking aids if used • If fall at home, are there
environmental hazards (ask family/carer), e.g. loose rugs, poor
lighting, slippery floor? • Current medications (e.g. sedatives,
hypnotics, antidepressants, antihypertensives, multiple drugs) •
Alcohol history • Social history: living at home or residential/
nursing home resident? • Key observatio