skip to main content

Multifactorial falls with sensory impairment — SCE Geriatric Medicine MCQ

Instant feedback + full explanation. One question, done properly.

HardFallsMultifactorial falls with sensory impairmentSCE Geriatric Medicine

An 84-year-old woman has recurrent falls and chronic dizziness. She has glaucoma, hearing impairment and diabetic neuropathy; medications include amlodipine, pregabalin and oxybutynin. Examination shows reduced vibration sense, visual acuity 6/24, and unsteady gait in low light. What is the most appropriate assessment?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: B — Multifactorial falls assessment including vision, gait, neuropathy and medication review

This presentation has interacting falls risks: visual impairment, neuropathy, sedating medication and anticholinergic burden. NICE falls guidance supports multifactorial assessment rather than a single-test approach. CT head may be indicated after head injury or focal neurology, but it will not address the main risk drivers here. The pearl is that geriatric falls are usually multifactorial and require a systems-based plan.

Reference: NICE CG161; BGS falls guidance