Are You at Risk for Falls and Fractures

Summary: Certain neurology patients are at a high risk of accidental falls. The American Academy of Neurology encourages regular screening for neurology patients to help prevent the 1.8 million fall-related injuries and deaths in the United States each year.

Comment: The authors found people with stroke, dementia, and walking and balance disorders are at the highest risk of falling. Having fallen in the past year also strongly predicts that a person will fall again. People with Parkinson’s disease, peripheral neuropathy, weakness in the legs or feet, and substantial vision loss are also likely to fall.

Read article - American Academy of Neurology. February 4, 2008.