Citation

Galizia G, Testa G, Mazzella F, Cacciatore F, Ungar A, Masotti G, Rengo F, Abete P. Geriatr. Gerontol. Int. 2008; 8(2): 130-132.

Affiliation

Division of Geriatrics, Department of Clinical Medicine Cardiovascular and Immunological Science University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2008, Japan Geriatrics Society, Publisher John Wiley and Sons)

DOI

10.1111/j.1447-0594.2008.00459.x

PMID

18713166

Abstract

Falls in the elderly are commonly and often wrongly identified as"accidental". We report a case of an elderly woman admitted to first aid for a trauma due to an accidental fall. Geriatric multidisciplinary evaluation revealed mild cognitive impairment associated with depressive symptoms; both findings made the anamnesis uncertain. Syncope algorithm was applied and  "tachy-brady form of sick sinus syndrome" was diagnosed. Differential diagnosis between "accidental" and "apparently accidental" falls in elderly patients is very difficult but a multidisciplinary geriatric evaluation can clarify the correct diagnosis.

Language: en