[Complications in the hemiplegic patient in the first year after the stroke].

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.