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Blood Pressure Influences Stroke Outcome
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Both high and low blood pressure during the acute phase of ischemic stroke are associated with brain injury and poor outcome, new research indicates.
A study published in Stroke examined the relationship of systolic and diastolic BP during the first 24 hours of ischemic stroke with outcome in 258 patients.
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For every 10 mm drop below 180 mm Hg of systolic BP, the risk of early neurological deterioration rose by 6%.
For poor outcome, the corresponding increase was 25%. For mortality at three months, it was 7%. Mean infarct volume also increased by 7.3 cubic centimeters.
For every 10 mm increase beyond 180 mm Hg, the risk of early neurological deterioration increased by 40% and that of poor outcome increased by 23%.
The researchers also found a similar pattern for diastolic blood pressure of 100 mm Hg or lower or of greater than 100 mm Hg.
The authors conclude that a fall of more than 20 mm Hg in systolic BP was 'the most important variable associated with early neurological deterioration, poor outcome and large infarct volumes.'
TO
LEARN MORE ABOUT STROKE PREVENTION OR TREATMENT:
Whether you need to learn more about caring for a patient who
has had a
stroke, have a family member who has had one, or simply want to
know more about Strokes, these books & additional resources
will help.
-
The
Brain — Effects of Stroke-Brain Atlas that depicts
region of the Cerebrum damaged by stroke along with signs
& symptoms [AMA].
-
Glossary
of Stroke Terms- Identifies and defines the terms
most commonly associated with strokes.
-
Stroke
Clinical Pathways- Information on the step-by-step
actions taken by healthcare professionals in caring for
stroke patients once a diagnosis has been made.
-
Women,
Heart Disease and Stroke- Find out what every woman
needs to know about heart disease and stroke. [AHA]
-
Post-Stroke
Rehabilitation Fact Sheet- Comprehensive information
from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and
Stroke.
-
Stroke Rehabilitation: A Function-Based Approach-
The book is based on the most up-to-date research on stroke rehabilitation and presents its content in a holistic fashion, combining aspects of background medical information, samples of functionally based evaluations, and treatment techniques and interventions. There are chapters on specific functional aspects of living after stroke, such as driving, sexuality, mobility and gait, and self-care.
-
Steps
To Follow- The Comprehensive Treatment of Patients with
Hemiplegia- A unique practical guide to the
treatment of neurologically impaired patients. If you are a
nurse, physical or occupational therapist even attempting to
work with adults who have had neurological impairment, you
owe it to them to read this book!
-
Starting
Again- Early Rehabilitation After Traumatic Brain
Injury Or Other Severe Brain Lesion. Illustrated with some
600 photographs of actual patients, the broad spectrum of
treatment, ranging from the intensive care unit to the
re-education of walking, is presented in detail. The
recommended treatment program advocated here has been used
successfully for many years.
-
The
Stroke Recovery Book- Guide for Patients and
Families (Most often book doctors recommend!), written by a
specialist in Medicine and Rehabilitation, this 152-page
paperback book offers professional insights in everyday
language. The guide devotes entire chapters to individual
impairments, aftercare, prevention and other topics of
interest to survivors and families, with the specific aim of
preparing readers for the challenges presented by stroke.
Additional
Resources:
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NURSING PRACTICE UPDATES
