AND PURPOSE: Although stroke survivors are known to have an increased risk of chronic balance dysfunction and falls, prospective studies focusing on long-term fall risk in mild stroke patients-especially those with acute vestibular symptoms-remain limited....
Audiologists and balance specialists should be aware that minor stroke patients presenting with vestibular symptoms carry elevated long-term fall risk, supporting referral pathways to vestibular rehabilitation and falls-prevention programs.
Vestibular dysfunction after minor stroke is often under-recognised and under-treated; this longitudinal evidence strengthens the case for proactive balance screening and rehabilitation in this population.
- 01Study tracked fall rates and fear of falling in mild stroke patients with vestibular (balance) symptoms over time.
- 02Even minor strokes can lead to lasting vestibular dysfunction and elevated fall risk.
- 03Fear of falling is a distinct psychological outcome that compounds physical disability.
- 04Longitudinal design allows tracking of how these risks evolve after the stroke event.
- 05Findings support integration of vestibular assessment into post-stroke care protocols.
Minor stroke patients with vestibular symptoms have elevated rates of falls and fear of falling over time.
studysupported- PMID
- 42237501
- DOI
- 10.1002/brb3.71509.
- Journal
- Brain and Behavior
- Publication type
- research_article
- Evidence level
- 2b
- Population
- Mild stroke patients presenting with vestibular symptoms
- Intervention
- Longitudinal observational follow-up of vestibular symptoms post minor stroke
Primary outcomes
Falls incidence; Fear of falling