Injurious Falls Before, During, and After Stroke Diagnosis: A Population-based Study.

Objectives: We aimed to examine changes in the incidence of injurious falls before, during, and after stroke, and to identify risk factors of injurious falls before and after stroke diagnosis.

Design: Prospective cohort study.

Setting And Participants: Within the Swedish Twin Registry, 4431 participants (aged 66.5 ± 10.3 years) with incident stroke and 4431 stroke-free controls (aged 66.5 ± 10.3 years) were identified and matched with cases according to birth year and sex. Cases and controls were retrospectively and prospectively followed for a total of 21 years.

Methods: Information on the onset of stroke and injurious falls was ascertained from medical records in the National Patient Registry. Data were analyzed using conditional Poisson regression and generalized estimating equation models.

Results: During the 4- to 10-year pre-stroke period, the standardized incidence rates of injurious falls were 4.29-7.53 per 1000 person-years in stroke and 3.97-7.47 per 1000 person-years in control groups. The incidence of injurious falls among participants with stroke was significantly higher compared with non-stroke controls beginning 3 years before stroke (incidence rate ratio [IRR], 1.27; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.59), peaked during the year of stroke diagnosis (IRR, 2.55; 95% CI, 2.17-3.01), and declined 4 years after stroke (IRR, 1.42; 95% CI, 1.14-1.77) until reaching a similar level as the controls (IRRs around 1.11-1.56). Former/current smoking, heavy drinking, and overweight were associated with increased falls during the pre-stroke period, and being single and heart disease with falls during the post-stroke period.

Conclusions And Implications: Among people with stroke, incidence of injurious falls is significantly elevated already 3 years before stroke diagnosis and lasting until 4 years post-stroke. Risk factors for falls differ pre-stroke and post-stroke. Taking preventive measures may be beneficial in managing both stroke and fall-related risks.