Falls and Fear of Falling in Minor Stroke Patients With Vestibular Symptoms: A Longitudinal Observational Study

作者：Yao Zhong, Jiaokun Jia, J Li, Ruixuan Jiang, Xingquan Zhao, Yi Ju · 发表于：Brain and Behavior · 年份：2026 · DOI：10.1002/brb3.71509 · 研究领域：Vestibular and auditory disorders、Balance, Gait, and Falls Prevention、Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery

BACKGROUND 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. This prospective study aimed to longitudinally characterize vestibular symptom resolution patterns within 1 year in minor stroke patients and identify predictors of the long-term risk of falls or fear of falling (FoF). METHODS: This prospective observational study recruited 242 patients with acute minor stroke presenting vestibular symptoms between September 2021 and December 2022. Vestibular symptom progression was systematically assessed at discharge, 3, 6, and 12 months poststroke. Functional outcomes were quantified using the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), while balance confidence and psychological status were evaluated with standardized instruments at each follow-up. Longitudinal analysis tracked vestibular symptom evolution over 12 months. Multivariable logistic regression identified independent predictors of falls and FoF. RESULTS: Among 242 minor stroke patients with acute vestibular symptoms, symptom persistence rates progressively declined from 56.20% at discharge to 30.99% at 3 months, 26.45% at 6 months, and 16.12% at 1-year follow-up. Multivariable regression revealed that a total small vessel disease (SVD) score ≥ 2 (odds ratios [OR] = 5.106, 95% confidence intervals [CI]: 1.747-14.921, p = 0.003) ind...