[Falls in the elderly.]

The falls frequently occurring as a result of impaired postural reflexes, due to degenerative changes that accompany the aging process, have a great impact on quality of life in the elderly. Falls and the fear of falling can trigger restraints and limits to freedom, ultimately leading to definitive care from professional or other. In nursing homes, security regulations often predominate over any other consideration and become a source of suffering and oppression. Pharmacological or "medical" management of this condition is effective in only a small proportion of elderly individuals. In the vast majority of cases, preventive measures and daily activity management programs need to be implemented to avoid the partial or complete loss of personal freedom, though these highly depend on the available individual economic resource. Doctors, namely neurologists operating in public services of the territory, have to face difficult medical, human and ethical problems. This article reviews this issue in the light of personal experience and by the analysis of several case reports.