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A Thrombotic Stroke Model Based On Transient Cerebral Hypoxia-ischemia
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Stroke in sports: a case series
Gonçalo M Alexandrino1, Joana Damásio, Patrícia Canhão
1Serviço de Neurologia, Department of Neurosciences, Hospital de Santa Maria, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal.
Journal of Neurology
|June 4, 2014
Summary
Sports-related stroke is rare, often affecting individuals without typical vascular risk factors. Cervicocerebral arterial dissection is the most common cause, frequently leading to disabling outcomes despite the low mortality rate.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Sports Medicine
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Regular physical activity is linked to reduced vascular risk.
- However, vascular events, including stroke, can occur during physical exertion.
- Stroke associated with sports is a rare condition with poorly understood risk factors and mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the characteristics of sports-related stroke.
- To identify potential risk factors and common causes in athletes.
- To report on the outcomes of individuals experiencing stroke during sports activities.
Main Methods:
- A case series approach was employed, reviewing stroke registries from two university neurology services and stroke units.
- Cases of stroke occurring in temporal association with sports practice were identified.
- Data collected included patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and associated sport, with a specific focus on cervicocerebral arterial dissection.
Main Results:
- Ten patients (8 male, ages 27-65) experienced sports-related stroke.
- Only three patients had pre-existing vascular risk factors.
- Cervicocerebral arterial dissection was identified as the primary cause in six cases.
- Two patients reported head/neck trauma; no fatalities occurred, but three patients had disabling outcomes (modified Rankin Scale 3-5).
Conclusions:
- Stroke associated with sports is a rare event.
- Individuals affected often lack traditional vascular risk factors.
- Cervicocerebral arterial dissection is the predominant cause, and these strokes can be significantly disabling.
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