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Why people with Parkinson’s may sustain falls?

Freezing:
Freezing is a phenomenon where a person with Parkinson’s suddenly stops or freezes while walking. They may feel as if their feet are stuck to the ground and they are unable to move them. This can sometimes last for a few minutes. Freezing occurs due to muscular rigidity and slowness of movement. It becomes worse when the effects of medication are fading and the next dose is due. Freezing can make a person unsteady and increase the chances of falling.

Posture:
People with Parkinson’s tend to stoop forward and walk with smaller steps. It appears as if they are bending forward and trying to catch their own centre of gravity. This happens due to muscular rigidity and slow movements, which are key features of the disease. This posture also increases the risk of falls.

Blood Pressure Fluctuations:
The autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary body functions such as blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, sweating, and temperature regulation, may get affected early in Parkinson’s. This can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure when a person stands up from a lying position or changes posture. As a result, they may experience dizziness and imbalance.

Side Effects of Medication:
Some medications used for Parkinson’s can cause abnormal movements. Certain drugs may also cause dizziness, which can lead to imbalance and falls.

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