[Complications in the hemiplegic patient in the first year after the stroke].
BACKGROUND
After a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) a hemiplegic patient is at risk from numerous complications after leaving hospital.


OBJECTIVE
To analyze the frequency of occurrence of the commonest complications characteristic of the hemiplegic syndrome, during the first year after the stroke.


METHODS
We evaluated 73 hemiplegic patients admitted to the rehabilitation department for treatment after a stroke. At each medical consultation, on admission and three, six and twelve months after the CVA, the complications 'belonging' to the hemiplegic syndrome were evaluated. These included contractures, painful shoulder, sympathetic-reflex dystrophy, fractures and thalamic pain.


RESULTS
During the first year of the illness 81% of the patients had some type of complication. A painful shoulder was the commonest complication, seen in 40% of the patients, followed by contractures (23%). Sympathetic-reflex dystrophy of the paretic arm occurred in 11 patients (15%).


CONCLUSIONS
The commonest complication in patients during the first year after their stroke are painful shoulder and contractures.
Pinedo
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Servicio de Rehabilitación, Hospital de Górliz, Astondo Ibiltoki, 2. E-48630 Górliz, Vizcaya. rilardia@hgor.osakidetza.net
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D000368:Aged; D001132:Arm; D003286:Contracture / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D003289:Convalescence; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D005260:Female; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010146:Pain / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D012019:Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D020069:Shoulder Pain / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications*; D013788:Thalamus / Q000503:physiopathology