ATLANTA, Feb. 5 U.S. experts in neurology say doctors could do a better job of screening patients at risk for falls to prevent disability and loss of independence.
The American Academy of Neurology has published a guideline in the journal Neurology outlining who may benefit from making the home safer or beginning an exercise program.
"There is a lack of awareness among doctors and patients in recognizing and preventing falls, which can lead to hip fractures, head injury, hospitalization and in some cases death," guideline lead author Dr. David Thurman of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta said in a statement.
The guideline says people who have had strokes or have dementia, as well as those with walking and balance disorders, are at the highest risk of falling. Having fallen in the past year strongly predicts a person will fall again, the guideline says. People with Parkinson's disease, peripheral neuropathy, weakness in the legs or feet and substantial vision loss are also likely to fall.
"People need to know that falls are preventable and there are simple tests to determine if you are at risk of falling," Thurman says. "The guideline recommends doctors routinely ask patients about falls and use screening measures, such as the Get-Up-and-Go Test or Timed-Up-and-Go Test and mobility tests."
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