Patient Falls in Stroke Rehabilitation

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The present study was prospectively designed to identify the incidence, risk factors and characteristics of falls in a patient with stroke. METHOD: One hundred and three stroke patients admitted to the department of rehabilitation medicine between March 1, 1998 and June 30, 1998, were evaluated. RESULTS: Fifteen (14.6%) have falled at least one time, and most of the falls occurred in their own room while walking. Risks for falls were associated with multiple brain lesion involving both anterior and posterior circulation, the presence of the cognitive function disturbance, and presence of caregiver hired by the patient. Fifteen (78.9%) of total 19 incidents did not cause any problem, but 4 falls (21.1%) caused mild injury - pain, and simple contusion. Severe injury such as fracture or intracerebral hemorrhage were not caused by these falls. CONCLUSION: The incidence of fall in a patient with stroke was 14.6%. And risks for falls were associated with multiple brain lesion, the presence of the cognitive function disturbance, and presence of caregiver hired by the patient.