Abstract
Prevention and specialist management of complications that arise following stroke may improve both short-term and long-term outcome. Anticipating potential post-stroke complications may also expedite initiation of preventative and therapeutic measures in high-risk patients. Complications related to stroke are both dynamic and transitional in their onset and are heterogeneous in nature. Neurological issues as a direct influence of the stroke on the brain include cerebral oedema, haemorrhagic transformation of infarction, and seizure activity, as well as death subsequent to brain herniation. Neuropsychiatric complications include cognitive impairment, delirium, depression, and anxiety. Complications resulting from impairments after stroke include venous thromboembolism, urinary tract infections, aspiration pneumonia, pressure sores, falls, malnutrition, and complications arising from the cardiac systems. Patients with stroke should therefore be closely monitored for the early detection of these complications. Multidisciplinary stroke unit care provides the best environment to prevent and manage these complications effectively.
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Bhalla, A., Birns, J. (2015). Introduction. In: Bhalla, A., Birns, J. (eds) Management of Post-Stroke Complications. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-17855-4_1
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-17855-4_1
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