Evidence map›Paper›PMID 42237501›Full record

Observational studyBrain and behavior2026

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

Yao Zhong, Jiaokun Jia, Jiashu Li, Ruixuan Jiang, Xingquan Zhao, Yi Ju

Abstract readObservational Study
In one paragraph

Observational study in Brain and behavior, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

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3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

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5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

6 authors.

Yao ZhongDepartment of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
Jiaokun JiaDepartment of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
Jiashu LiDepartment of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
Ruixuan JiangDepartment of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
Xingquan ZhaoDepartment of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
Yi JuDepartment of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.

Funding

Clinical and Translational Medicine Research Program from Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences 2022-I2M-C&T-B-116National Key Research and Development Program of China 2022YFC3501102Science Innovation Brain Science and Brain-like Research from the Ministry of National Science and Technology 2022ZD0211805
6 · The paper itself

Abstract

background and purposeAlthough 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).

methodsThis 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.

resultsAmong 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) independently predicted 1-year fall risk. Notably, both persistent vestibular symptomsnd the presence of anxiety/depression poststroke were significantly associated with increased risks of falls and FoF.

conclusionVestibular symptoms resolution in minor stroke follows a biphasic trajectory, with rapid early improvement and slower late recovery. Importantly, temporal lobe involvement, SVD score ≥ 2, persistent vestibular symptoms, and anxiety/depression are independent predictors of long-term fall risk. The findings highlight the clinical value of early SVD marker identification and regular monitoring of both vestibular function and emotional status.

Indexed as

Accidental FallsFearStrokeVestibular DiseasesAgedAged, 80 and overFemaleHumansLongitudinal StudiesMaleMiddle AgedPostural BalanceProspective Studiesfallsfear of fallingmild strokevestibular symptom

Identifiers

PMID42237501
PMCPMC13580758

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.