The Christchurch earthquake stroke incidence study
Teddy Y Wu1, Jeanette Cheung2, David Cole2
1Department of Neurology, Christchurch Hospital, Private Bag 4710, Christchurch, New Zealand; Department of Neurology, Auckland City Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand.
Summary
Major earthquakes did not significantly increase acute stroke admissions or affect cardioembolic infarction rates. However, the February 2011 earthquake impacted patient discharge patterns, suggesting structural damage influenced care.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Disaster Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Major earthquakes can cause significant psychological stress.
- The impact of such stress on acute medical conditions like stroke requires investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if major earthquakes influence acute stroke admissions.
- To analyze stroke subtypes and patient discharge patterns following seismic events.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of acute stroke admissions.
- Comparison of stroke data from 6 weeks post-earthquake periods with corresponding control periods.
- Analysis of stroke subtypes (ischemic infarction) and discharge destinations.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant difference in acute stroke admissions or ischemic infarctions between earthquake and control periods.
- No change in cardioembolic infarction rates from atrial fibrillation.
- Patients during the February 2011 earthquake were less likely to be discharged home (31.2% vs. 46.9%).
Conclusions:
- Severe psychological stress from earthquakes did not increase short-term acute stroke risk.
- The severity of the February 2011 earthquake and structural damage may have affected stroke patient discharge patterns.
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