Overview

As Alvord explains in this comprehensive guide to falls prevention, diagnosis, and therapy, more than one-third of adults ages 65 or older fall each year. Among seniors, falls are the underlying cause of a large proportion of fatal traumatic brain injuries. On the positive side, much can be done to prevent injury from falls in the aging population. This book is an ideal guide for clinicians who see patients at risk for falling. It provides complete assessment and treatment plans, incorporating the most recent developments of new balance test equipment and techniques for balance function rehabilitation. The detailed section on assessment covers vestibular, cardiovascular, neurological, rheumatology, metabolic, orthopedic, psychological, cognitive, visual and physical therapy factors. Therapy and prevention chapters cover physical therapy, occupational therapy, and exercise and behavioral modification. A final chapter explains falls prevention programs and clinics. Case studies throughout illustrate successful versus unsuccessful assessment and treatment programs.

Read an interview with Dr. Alvord, brought to you by the American Academy of Audiology! Douglas L. Beck, AuD, speaks with Dr. Alvord about about dizziness and vertigo and the medical, behavioral and other causes of falls.

Audience

Primary Subject: Audiology / Balance Assessment and Treatment
Secondary Subject: Audiology / Vestibular Rehabilitation
Secondary Subject: Occupational Therapy
Audience Level: Professional

• Preface
• Introduction
• Scope of the Problem - Hope for Solutions
• Balance and Mobility
• Why We Fall
• Dizziness as a Symptom
• The Falls Clinic and Examination
• Preventing Falls
• Falls Prevention in Hospitals and Nursing Facilities
• Case Studies
• Appendix A: Suggested Additional Readings on Gait
• Appendix B: Example Falls Clinic Reports and Sample Blank Forms
• Appendix C: Safety Checklist
• Appendix D: Alvord Falls Screening Test
• Index

About The Author

Lynn Alvord, PhD

Lynn S. Alvord, PhD, is the Director of the Falls Preventions Clinic, at the Henry Ford Health System, in Detroit, Michigan.

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