Neurol. praxi. 2011;12(2):129-134

Complications of ischaemic stroke

doc.MUDr.Edvard Ehler, CSc., MUDr.Aleš Kopal, MSN Petra Mandysová, MUDr.Ján Latta

Neurologická klinika PKN a FZS Univerzity Pardubice

Patients with ischemic cerebrovascular accident (CVA) can develop complications. About 30 % of patients experience progression of

focal or global brain changes. In this case, the CVA is progressive, which is a neurological complication. As a general rule, complications

affecting organ systems other than just the brain are called medical complications. They occur both in the acute stage of ischemic CVA,

due to pathological changes existing already before a CVA occurs (e. g., hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and ischemic heart disease), and

in association with the type and severity of a CVA (impairment of consciousness, edema). In the first week, complications of the acute

phase of a CVA can develop (such as confusion, negativism, dysphagia, phlebothrombosis, and pressure sores). After the resolution of

the acute stage, there is a rising incidence of other complications (depression, spasticity, undernutrition, and falls). It is necessary to

know the complications, their risk factors, and their timing in relation to stroke, and based on this knowledge, to implement preventive

measures and sensible therapy.

Keywords: progressive CVA, medical complication, falls, spasticity, pressure ulcers, dysphagia

Published: June 1, 2011  Show citation