COMPLICATIONS, INVESTIGATIONS & DIAGNOSIS

COMPLICATIONS

Early: haemorrhagic transformation of ischemic stroke, cerebral oedema, delirium, seizures, VTE, cardiac complications, infections

Late:
– 80% of hemiparesis
– ataxia (poor coordination)
– falls (73% fall in less than a year)
– spasticity and contractures
– sensory issues (80% have a loss in either touch, temperature or pain sensations)
– incontinence issues
– pain (msk, neuropathic, shoulder pain)
– fatigue
– dysphasia (increased risk of aspiration)
– sexual dysfunction
– skin issues (decreased mobility = increase in pressure sources)
– visual issues (decreased visual acuity, hemianopia, diplopia, nystagmus, blurred)
– cognitive decline & mental health issues
– communication issues
– aphasia/dysphasia – inability to understand or express language
– apraxia – inability to perform tasks or movement as we asked
– dysarthria – muscles used for speech become weakened, making it difficult to speak.

INVESTIGATIONS & DIAGNOSIS
– History and examination
– GCS
– ABC assessment
– Neurological examination
– FAST protocol (Face, Arm, Speech)
– Blood glucose
– ECG