Long-term complications of stroke and secondary prevention: an overview for primary care physicians.
Despite a decline in mortality from stroke, the annual incidence in the general population is increasing. For many stroke survivors and their families, the acute stroke is the beginning of an ongoing struggle with physical impairment and subsequent disability. Over time, the immediate clinical consequences of the stroke are complicated by a variety of lesser-known medical, musculoskeletal and psychosocial difficulties. The primary care physician is best positioned to optimise chronic disease control, reduce risk and manage complications of stroke. Early screening and appropriate management is key. Instituting secondary prevention and attention to bowel and bladder problems can help reduce medical complications and re-admissions, while adequate analgesia, positioning/splinting of limbs and physiotherapy can lessen discomfort and preventable suffering. Primary care physicians can identify and treat post-stroke mood issues and involve psychological counselling for patients and caregivers. Adequate education and support may restore the independence of patients with stroke or minimise any resultant dependency.
['Chohan|Shakil Ahmed|SA|', 'Venkatesh|Prasanna Kappaganthu|PK|', 'How|Choon How|CH|']
D000339:Affect D017028:Caregivers D004644:Emotions D005242:Fecal Incontinence D006429:Hemiplegia D006801:Humans D009128:Muscle Spasticity D058007:Physicians, Primary Care D011320:Primary Health Care D012008:Recurrence D055502:Secondary Prevention D012640:Seizures D020521:Stroke D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation D014549:Urinary Incontinence
complications stroke primary care psychosocial rehabilitation