Anosognosia for Hemiplegia and Falls After Stroke

A Prospective Correlational Study

Abstract

Purpose 

The aim of this study was to explore the association between the presence and severity of anosognosia for hemiplegia (AHP) and falls in stroke survivors.

Design 

A prospective, correlational research design was utilized.

Methods 

Primary instrumentation included demographic information and the Visual-Analogue Test for Anosognosia for motor impairment (VATA-m). Correlational and regression analyses were performed between a priori variables.

Results 

There was no statistically significant relationship found between AHP and falls. An incidental finding included that clinicians erroneously charted that their patients were aware of their physical limitations 100% of the time, which indicates that there is discord between clinicians and patients regarding physical limitations.

Conclusions 

Though no statistically significant relationship was found between AHP and falls, the incidental finding of dissonance between the patient and the clinician has important clinical implications.

Relevance 

The relationship between AHP and stroke rehabilitation outcomes is still not understood, and incorporating part of the VATA-m into patient assessment could improve clinician understanding of patient awareness.