The MS Fall

The symptoms of MS, such as trouble with mobility, problems with your senses, and even some medication side effects, raise your odds for a fall. They may happen while you move throughout your house, walk around unfamiliar settings, or trip or slip on certain surfaces.

These accidents can seem unpredictable, but if you’re proactive, you can lower your risk for falls and avoid the physical injuries and mental stress they can cause. 

 Talk to your doctor. They can help you identify things that may affect your fall risk, like fatigue, low energy levels, or other symptoms that might cause you to be more likely to have an accident. Your doctor can help you manage and minimize the effects these factors may have on your safety.

Get a gait check. Trouble with walking, also known as your gait, is a common problem for people with MS. A physical therapist can diagnose any gait disorders and suggest exercises that could help you safely walk.

Get an expert assessment. Your health care team can give you a fall risk screening, which the American Academy of Neurology recommends for anyone with MS. There are different ways to do them, but usually, they’ll ask about any falls you’ve had, when you’ve had them, the causes or situations that lead to them, or if you had any injuries afterwards. They may also ask a family member about them.

Begin an exercise program. Your doctor or physical therapist can help you create an exercise plan that can improve your balance, posture, core strength, and gait. That can help you lower your chances of falling. Rehabilitation programs, including physical and occupational therapy, could also help you avoid accidents.

Keep a diary to record any of your falls. You can bring this in to help your doctor give you a more accurate screening. From there, they’ll be able to tell if you need extra help to avoid getting hurt.

Learn how to fall. Yes, there are good and bad ways. If you learn how to do it safely, you can lower your odds of an injury. Your doctor can help you learn ways to move your body when you feel that you’re about to lose balance. They can also teach you ways to get off the floor after a fall. This can help build your confidence and make you less likely to get hurt.

 Ask for help. If you have issues walking or tend to fear that you’ll lose your balance, speak up. You’re not “giving in” to your condition by seeking help. Extra support from your doctors, family, and friends can help you avoid emotional stress, fatigue, and other injuries.