EVALUATION OF FALL AND FALL PREDICTION INDEX IN PATIENTS WITH STROKE

Introduction: In this study we investigated the relation of the fall prediction index with the stroke risk factors and the functional status of the stroke patients. Forty stroke patients and 22 healthy subjects recruited to the study. Materials and Method. The patients and the control group were investigated about the risk factors of stroke. All the subjects were evaluated with Mini Mental State Examination Test (MMSET), Modified Rankin Scale (MRS), Functional Independence Measure (FIM), and Functional Ambulation Scale (FAS). Fall Prediction Index (FPI) was calculated for each patient and control. Results: The mean age of the patients was 64.40 +/- 10.65 years. The most frequent stroke risk factor was hypertansion (75%). FPI was significantly correlated with FAS, motor FIM score and MRS. Eighteen of the forty patients had fallen at least once. There were no difference about the stroke risk factors between the fallers and the non-fallers patients. FAS was significantly lower in the patients who had fallen. FPI was significantly correlated with MRS, FAS, AM motor and cognitive scores in the fallers and also FPI was significantly correlated with MRS, FAS and FIM motor scores in the non-fallers. Conclusion: Stroke is the most important cause of disability in the geriatric age group. The patients at risk for falls can be defined by applying FPI. In this way the modifiable falls risk factors can be overviewed and regulated.