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Optimized Management of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic Stroke
Published on: January 18, 2018
Symptomatic and palliative care for stroke survivors
Claire J Creutzfeldt1, Robert G Holloway, Melanie Walker
1Department of Neurology, University of Washington Harborview Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98104-2499, USA. clairejc@uw.edu
Journal of General Internal Medicine
|January 20, 2012
Summary
This review addresses the symptomatic and palliative needs of stroke survivors, offering evidence-based guidelines for managing common post-stroke symptoms. It highlights the need for better clinical standards for these often-under-recognized conditions.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Palliative Care
- Rehabilitation Medicine
Background:
- Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability globally.
- Existing literature primarily focuses on acute management and secondary prevention, neglecting ongoing symptomatic and palliative needs.
- Stroke survivors face numerous disabling symptoms and require comprehensive care beyond initial recovery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide evidence-informed management guidelines for symptomatic and palliative care in stroke survivors.
- To review common and disabling post-stroke symptoms and their management.
- To explore caregiver support and spiritual needs of stroke survivors.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing current data on post-stroke symptoms.
- Analysis of evidence for managing conditions such as central post-stroke pain, spasticity, fatigue, and depression.
- Exploration of caregiver roles and spiritual considerations in palliative stroke care.
Main Results:
- Central post-stroke pain and depression have the most robust supporting literature, including controlled trials.
- Management guidelines for other symptoms like hemiplegic shoulder pain, fatigue, and incontinence are often based on smaller studies or expert opinion.
- There is a significant need for improved clinical standards and documented best practices for the full spectrum of post-stroke symptoms.
Conclusions:
- Comprehensive symptomatic and palliative care is crucial for stroke survivors' quality of life.
- Current evidence is insufficient for many post-stroke symptoms, necessitating further research and guideline development.
- Healthcare providers need accessible data to effectively manage the diverse needs of stroke survivors and their families.
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