ABSTRACT
Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, with more than 140,000
deaths per year. Complications related to stroke resulting in morbidity and mortality
are very common and may result from cerebral and extracerebral causes. Cerebral causes
include cerebral edema, hemorrhagic conversion of an ischemic infarct, and progression
of penumbra to infarction. Extracerebral complications include deep vein thrombosis
and pulmonary embolism, urinary tract infection, and aspiration. Many of these complications
are largely preventable and often tracked as “quality metrics” in institutions with
a stroke center designation. The focus of the article is primarily on common poststroke
complications, such as aspiration, DVT, decubitus ulcers, seizures, and urinary catheter
infections. Knowledge about potential poststroke complications is critical to earlier
diagnosis, proper preventive strategies, and management.
KEYWORDS
Stroke complications - aspiration - deep vein thrombosis - pneumonia
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W. David FreemanM.D.
Mayo Clinic, Cannaday 2 East
Jacksonville, FL 32224
eMail: freeman.william1@mayo.edu
