Exploring Factors Associated with Falls in Multiple Sclerosis: Insights from a Scoping Review

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Public Health

Background:

• Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic central nervous system inflammatory disease.
• Falls are a significant concern for MS patients, particularly within the first six months of diagnosis.
• Identifying fall risk factors is crucial for patient safety and intervention development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To conduct a scoping review to identify factors associated with falls in patients with Multiple Sclerosis.
• To enhance awareness and inform strategies aimed at reducing fall risk and subsequent injuries in the MS population.

Main Methods:

• A comprehensive literature search was performed using Mesh terms related to falls and MS across Medline, Google Scholar, Scopus, and Embase.
• Included studies were published between 2012 and 2022, used clear fall definitions, and involved patients meeting McDonald's diagnostic criteria for MS.
• Data extraction focused on factors contributing to falls, utilizing Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) or Patient Determined Disease Steps (PDDS) scores where available.

Main Results:

• Eighteen articles were included in this scoping review.
• Key factors identified as significantly associated with falls in MS patients include disease severity and progression.
• Other major contributing factors encompass mobility and balance impairments, bladder dysfunction, fear of falling, fatigue, and cognitive dysfunction.

Conclusions:

• This scoping review successfully identified prevalent factors contributing to falls among individuals with Multiple Sclerosis.
• Findings underscore the need for interventions targeting mobility, proprioception, and balance to mitigate fall risk and injury.
• Understanding these factors is essential for developing effective, targeted fall prevention programs for the MS community.