Medical Complications After Stroke

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Abstract
Background and Purpose—This prospective, multicenter study was performed to determine the frequency of symptomatic complications up to 30 months after stroke using prespecified definitions of complications. Methods—We recruited 311 consecutive stroke patients admitted to hospital. Research nurses reviewed their progress on a weekly basis until hospital discharge and again at 6, 18, and 30 months after stroke. Results—Complications during hospital admission were recorded in 265 (85%) of stroke patients. Specific complications were as follows: neurological—recurrent stroke (9% of patients), epileptic seizure (3%); infections—urinary tract infection (24%), chest infection (22%), others (19%); mobility related—falls (25%), falls with serious injury (5%), pressure sores (21%); thromboembolism—deep venous thrombosis (2%), pulmonary embolism (1%); pain—shoulder pain (9%), other pain (34%); and psychological—depression (16%), anxiety (14%), emotionalism (12%), and confusion (56%). During follow-up, infections, fa...