Accidental Falls in Patients with Hyperkinetic Movement Disorders: A Systematic Review

Tremor and Other Hyperkinetic Movements

article

Carl N. Homann¹  Barbara Homann³  Gerd Ivanic⁴  Tadea Urbanic-Purkart¹ 

[1] Department of Neurology, Medical University Graz;St. Elizabeth University of Health and Social Work;Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania;Institute for Orthopedic and Cardiological Rehabilitation

关键词: accidental falls;    fractures;    injuries;    accident prevention;    hyperkinetic movement disorders;    basal ganglia disorders;    essential tremor;    restless legs syndrome;    Huntington’s chorea;    dystonia;    myoclonus;    tic disorders;    ataxia;    athetosis;    stereotypies;    balli;   

DOI  :  10.5334/tohm.709

学科分类：社会科学、人文和艺术（综合）

来源: Ubiquity Press

【 摘 要 】

Background: The significance of falls and their repercussions in Parkinson’s disease has been extensively researched. However, despite potentially serious effects on health and quality of life and negative impact on the healthcare system, there is not a sufficient understanding of the role of falls in hyperkinetic movement disorders (HKMDs). This review aims to provide an overview of the prevalence of falls, injuries, and preventive measures in the most common HKMDs.Methods: Studies up to May 1, 2022 were searched in PubMed using Medical Subjects Headings of relatively prevalent HKMDs associated with the terms “accidental falls”, “injuries”, “fractures”, and “accident prevention”.Results: In our review of 37 studies out of 155, we found evidence that for several HKMDs, such as spinocerebellar ataxia, essential tremor, Huntington’s disease, and dystonia, fall risk is increased. Falls were reported in up to 84% of spinocerebellar ataxia patients, 59% of essential tremor patients, and 79% of Huntington’s patients, with 65% of the latter falling frequently. Injuries occurred in up to 73% in Huntington and 74% in ataxia patients. Most of the common diseases characterized by HKMDs were investigated for both fall causes and consequences, but prevention studies were limited to spinocerebellar ataxia and Huntington’s disease.Discussion: The limited available data suggest that patients with several HKMDs can be considered to be at increased risk of falling and that the consequences can be serious. As a result, physicians should be advised to include fall exploration in their routine workup and provide advice for safer mobility. In general, more research into fall-related concerns in HKMDs is necessary.Highlights: In contrast to Parkinson’s disease, the prevalence of accidental falls, their repercussions, and preventive strategies are under-investigated in hyperkinetic movement disorders (HKMDs). Several HKMDs such as essential tremor, ataxia, and Huntington’s disease have reported fall rates of up to 84% and fall-related injury rates of up to 74%. Therefore, routine examinations of HKMD patients should include a fall exploration and provide advice on safe mobility.

【 授权许可】

CC BY