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Published on: May 22, 2019
Delirium in acute stroke: a review
A W Oldenbeuving1, P L M de Kort, B P W Jansen
1Department of Neurology, St Elisabeth Hospital, Tilburg, The Netherlands.
Summary
Delirium, a brain condition affecting attention and awareness, frequently complicates stroke recovery. Early recognition and management are crucial for better outcomes in stroke patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Geriatrics
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Delirium is a neuropsychiatric syndrome impacting consciousness, attention, cognition, and perception.
- It can be an initial symptom of acute stroke or complicate rehabilitation.
- Delirium is common in stroke patients, particularly during the early rehabilitation phase.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the incidence, risk factors, pathophysiology, diagnostic tools, and management strategies for delirium in patients with recent stroke.
Main Methods:
- This review synthesizes current literature on delirium in the context of stroke.
- It covers epidemiological data, etiological factors, and clinical presentation.
- Diagnostic criteria and therapeutic approaches are discussed.
Main Results:
- Key risk factors include advanced age, cognitive impairment, metabolic issues, infections, and polypharmacy.
- Delirium in stroke patients correlates with prolonged hospitalization, worse functional recovery, and increased dementia risk.
- Accurate diagnosis is challenging due to fluctuating symptoms and stroke-related neurological deficits.
Conclusions:
- Effective management hinges on non-pharmacological prevention, prompt identification, and targeted medical interventions.
- Understanding delirium's impact is vital for optimizing care and improving long-term prognosis for stroke survivors.
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