Self-reported causes of falls in multiple sclerosis

Abstract

Introduction. Falls in patients with multiple sclerosis are common, cause injuries, fear of recurrent falls, affects mobility. Our objective was to investigate main self-reported causes of falls in patients with multiple sclerosis. Methods. It was a prospective study of the relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis patients in remission with the disease modifying treatment and the Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) < 6.5. Patients were asked to fill the original questionnaire about falls past 6 months, its causes and fear. Results. We analyzed data from 69 patients. 21 (30.4%) of them fell one or more times past 6 months and were included in the fallers group and 48 (69.6%) have n’t fell and were included to non-fallers group. Groups were similar by age (p=0.469), gender (p=0.378) and disease duration (p=0.527). Mean of falls was 3.57±0.62. Fallers were asked to name reasons that determine their falls. Mostly falls were caused of coordination disturbances (76.2%), also of fatigue (42.9%), visual problems (28.6%), muscle weakness (28.6%) and spasticity (4.8%). . Fear of falls indicated 28 (40.6%) patients. Fear at home indicated 26 (37.7%), in puplicity – 23 (33.3%), fear affecting daily activity – 19 (27.5%) patients. [...].