Falls in patients with neuromuscular disorders

J Neurol Sci. 2006 Dec 21;251(1-2):87-90. doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2006.09.008. Epub 2006 Nov 9.

Abstract

We monitored the incidence and consequences of falls during a 3-month follow-up in 66 patients with a variety of neuromuscular disorders and in 44 age-matched controls. Patients fell more often than controls (27% versus 5%). Falls frequently caused injuries (minor in 79% of subjects and major in 5%) and were often accompanied by fear of falling (58%) and reduced activities (48%). We conclude that falling is a clinically important problem in patients with neuromuscular disorders.

Publication types

  • Comparative Study

MeSH terms

  • Accidental Falls / statistics & numerical data*
  • Activities of Daily Living
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Confidence Intervals
  • Fear
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Incidence
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Neuromuscular Diseases / epidemiology
  • Neuromuscular Diseases / physiopathology*
  • Neuromuscular Diseases / psychology
  • Odds Ratio
  • Predictive Value of Tests
  • Registries / statistics & numerical data