Evaluation of falls rate and fall risk factors in multiple sclerosis patients

More than 50% of people with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) fall in any 6 months period. Falls are related to injury, fear of falling and activity curtailment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate fall rates and physiological and neuropsychological risk factors associated with falls. 50 Relapsing- Remitting MS (RRMS) patients aged between 18-50, able to walk without aid and 30 healthy controls were enrolled, falls in the past year were recorded and prospectively monitored for 6 months. Extended Disability Status Scale, Timed 25- Foot Walking Test, and MS Walking Scale-12 were used for physiological factors in patients. Participants performed Static and dynamic balance test on the Korebalance computerized posturography system. To evaluate neuropsychological factors Beck Depression Scale, Montreal Cognitive Assessment for cognitive factors and Falls Efficacy Scale- International (FES-I) for the fear of falling were used. A total of 48 falls from 24 patients (%48) and 32 falls in 6 months period from 17 patients (%34) were recorded. The fall rates, physical and neuropsychological findings in patients were compared with the controls. Fall rates were similar but FES-I and static balance scores in RRMS were higher (p<0,05). Comparing fallers to non-fallers in RRMS, falls were associated with higher MSWS and FES-I scores (p <0.05). In all participants, falls were more frequent at higher FES-I scores. In conclusion, fall risk was higher in RRMS patients with higher MSWS and FES-I scores. These two easy to administer tests are effective in estimating fall risk and should be used in clinical practice. Keywords: Multiple Sclerosis, falls, walking test, fear