An estimated 1.8 million people have multiple sclerosis around the world. It is a chronic condition of the central nervous system in which the body’s immune system attacks the covering that protects the brain’s nerve cells.
Falls are a particular worry with for multiple sclerosis (MS) patients because of the way it disturbs gait, so knowing what risk factors can make the chances of a fall worse is important.
What Causes Falls in People with Multiple Sclerosis?
Many factors contribute to falls in people with MS, including intrinsic and extrinsic causes. Intrinsic factors relate to the individual, including the severity of the disease, while extrinsic factors refer to those related to the environment.
Falls in people with MS usually occur when engaging in daily activities that involve walking. They commonly happen in the home, though weather conditions and uneven terrain can cause outdoor falls as well.
Common Factors Associated with MS Falls
Having a history of falling is one of the strongest predictors of future falls in people with multiple sclerosis. Other factors include:
- Cognitive impairment
- Motor impairment (imbalance, weakness, gait disturbance)
- Sensory impairment
- Fatigue
- Low physical activity
- Male gender
- Medication side effects
- Overall MS-related disability
Using assistive walking devices can also increase the chances of a fall, usually when the device is not appropriate for the degree of impairment the disease causes. People who are not consistent with the use of the walking device are also more at risk.
Regenerative Medicine for MS Treatment
Regenerative medicine, also known as stem cell therapy, is a promising treatment option to help decrease the chances of a fall for people with multiple sclerosis. It provides the chance to not only deal with symptoms but also help your body heal from the damage the disease causes. Being able to regain some function can reduce your chances of experiencing a fall.
This post was written by a medical professional at Stemedix Inc. At Stemedix we provide access to Regenerative Medicine for multiple sclerosis, also known as stem cell therapy for multiple sclerosis. Regenerative medicine has the natural potential to help improve symptoms sometimes lost from the progression of many conditions.