Dizziness, falling, and fainting: differential diagnosis in the aged (Part II).

Salicylates used for rheumatoid arthritis, or in inadvertently high dosages by patients themselves, often cause toxicity manifested by tinnitus, hearing impairment, and imbalance. Vestibulotoxic drugs should always be considered in older patients when the cause of imbalance is not apparent. Gait disturbance is an important presenting symptom of subdural hematoma, along with a fluctuating level of alertness. A high degree of suspicion is required to diagnose this treatable condition early.