Falls

Changes in sensation: If your feet or legs don’t feel things as clearly (for example, due to nerve changes), it may be harder to judge where the ground is or how your body is positioned. This can make balance more difficult.

Foot drop: Some people find their toes drag when they walk. This can make tripping more likely, especially on uneven ground or carpets.

Slower reaction times: If your body doesn’t react as quickly as it used to, it may be harder to catch yourself if you begin to lose balance.

Postural instability: Some neurological conditions affect the body’s natural balance systems, making you feel unsteady.

Drops in blood pressure: Conditions such as Parkinson’s disease can cause a sudden fall in blood pressure when standing up. This may lead to dizziness, light-headedness, or even fainting.

Anxiety/fear of falling: This can make you move more cautiously or avoid activity, which can affect strength and balance and increase the risk of falls.

Uncontrolled pain: Being in pain can change the way you move or make you less active, affecting your strength and balance over time.

Some medicines can affect balance, alertness, and reaction times.

Sedative effects: Certain medications may cause drowsiness or make you feel less steady.

Reduced risk awareness: Some drugs can make you feel more relaxed or less cautious, which can lead to accidents.

Parkinson’s medication timing: For people with Parkinson’s, taking medication at the wrong time or missing doses can lead to increased stiffness, slowness, or reduced mobility, raising the risk of falls.

Always talk to your healthcare team if you notice changes when starting a new medication, or if your symptoms vary throughout the day.

Strength in your legs and core muscles plays a vital role in staying upright.

Weakness can make it harder to recover your balance if you trip or turn quickly.

Regular strength and balance exercises can make a big difference. Please see the exercise section for further recommendations. For further guidance, speak to your clinician or contact us. 

Small changes at home often make a big difference; we can give you more advice on this if needed.

• Poor lighting may make it hard to see obstacles, especially at night.
• Flooring hazards like loose rugs, uneven surfaces, or slippery floors can lead to trips.
• Clutter & wires can easily become tripping hazards.
• Indoors vs outdoors: outdoor environments may have uneven ground, steps, or weather-related risks such as leaves or ice.
• Footwear: ill-fitting footwear can cause you to trip or fall.

Bladder and bowel difficulties can increase fall risk in several ways.

• Rushing to the toilet, especially at night, can lead to slips or trips.
• Recurrent urinary tract infections (UTIs) can cause confusion, weakness, or changes in mobility, which may increase the likelihood of falling.

Let the team know if you have any concerns about these symptoms. If you suspect that you may have a Urinary Tract Infection, please contact your GP/111 out of hours.

Thinking and memory changes can affect your safety.

• Difficulty judging risks or forgetting to use mobility aids can increase fall risk.
• Planning and problem-solving changes can make everyday activities more challenging.

We are here to support you and plan practical strategies together to help keep you safe.