Falling is common

Nilsagård Y, Gunn H, Freeman J, Hoang P, Lord S, Mazumder R, Cameron M. Falls in people with MS-an individual data meta-analysis from studies from Australia, Sweden, United Kingdom and the United States. Mult Scler. 2014 Jun 16. pii: 1352458514538884. [Epub ahead of print]

BACKGROUND:Falls are common in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). Previous studies have generally included small samples and had varied methods.

OBJECTIVES:The objectives of this paper are to compile fall rates across a broad range of ages and disease severity and to definitively assess the extent to which MS-associated and demographic factors influence fall rates.


METHODS:Individual data from studies in four countries that prospectively measured falls for three months were analyzed. We determined fall rates, prevalence of fallers (≥1 falls) and frequent fallers (≥2 falls), location and timing of falls, and fall-related demographic factors.


RESULTS: A total of 537 participants reported 1721 falls: 56% were fallers and 37% frequent fallers. Most falls occurred indoors (65%) between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. (75%). Primary progressive MS was associated with significantly increased odds of being a faller (odds ratio (OR) 2.02; CI 1.08-3.78). Fall risk peaked at EDSS levels of 4.0 and 6.0 with significant ORs between 5.30 (2.23-12.64) and 5.10 (2.08-12.47). The fall rate was lower in women than men (relative risk (RR) 0.80; CI 0.67-0.94) and decreased with increasing age (RR 0.97 for each year, CI 0.95-0.98).


CONCLUSION: PwMS are at high risk of falls and there are important associations between falls and MS-associated disability, gender and age.



Falling is common in MSers to it is vital that you maintain good bone health.

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