S Pinedo1, F M de la Villa. 1. Servicio de Rehabilitación, Hospital de Górliz, Astondo Ibiltoki, 2. E-48630 Górliz, Vizcaya. rilardia@hgor.osakidetza.net
Abstract
INTRODUCTION: After a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) a hemiplegic patient is at risk from numerous complications after leaving hospital. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the frequency of occurrence of the commonest complications characteristic of the hemiplegic syndrome, during the first year after the stroke. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated 73 hemiplegic patients admitted to the rehabilitation department for treatment after a stroke. At each medical consultation, on admission and three, six and twelve months after the CVA, the complications 'belonging' to the hemiplegic syndrome were evaluated. These included contractures, painful shoulder, sympathetic-reflex dystrophy, fractures and thalamic pain. RESULTS: During the first year of the illness 81% of the patients had some type of complication. A painful shoulder was the commonest complication, seen in 40% of the patients, followed by contractures (23%). Sympathetic-reflex dystrophy of the paretic arm occurred in 11 patients (15%). CONCLUSION: The commonest complication in patients during the first year after their stroke are painful shoulder and contractures.
INTRODUCTION: After a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) a hemiplegic patient is at risk from numerous complications after leaving hospital. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the frequency of occurrence of the commonest complications characteristic of the hemiplegic syndrome, during the first year after the stroke. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We evaluated 73 hemiplegic patients admitted to the rehabilitation department for treatment after a stroke. At each medical consultation, on admission and three, six and twelve months after the CVA, the complications 'belonging' to the hemiplegic syndrome were evaluated. These included contractures, painful shoulder, sympathetic-reflex dystrophy, fractures and thalamic pain. RESULTS: During the first year of the illness 81% of the patients had some type of complication. A painful shoulder was the commonest complication, seen in 40% of the patients, followed by contractures (23%). Sympathetic-reflex dystrophy of the paretic arm occurred in 11 patients (15%). CONCLUSION: The commonest complication in patients during the first year after their stroke are painful shoulder and contractures.