Gastrointestinal complications after ischemic stroke

• Published in: Journal of the neurological sciences Vol. 346; no. 1; pp. 20 - 25
• Main Authors: Camara-Lemarroy, Carlos R, Ibarra-Yruegas, Beatriz E, Gongora-Rivera, Fernando
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 15.11.2014
• Subjects: Animals; Brain Ischemia - complications; Constipation; Databases, Bibliographic - statistics & numerical data; Dysphagia; Fecal incontinence; Gastrointestinal bleeding; Gastrointestinal complications; Gastrointestinal Diseases - etiology; Humans; Length of Stay - statistics & numerical data; Motility; Neurology; Stroke; Stroke - complications; Stroke - etiology; Stroke - mortality; Fecal incontinence; Stroke; Motility; Gastrointestinal bleeding; Gastrointestinal complications; Dysphagia; Constipation
• ISSN: 0022-510X; 1878-5883
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2014.08.027

Abstract Ischemic stroke is an important cause of morbidity and mortality, and currently the leading cause of adult disability in developed countries. Stroke is associated with various non-neurological medical complications, including infections and thrombosis. Gastrointestinal complications after stroke are also common, with over half of all stroke patients presenting with dysphagia, constipation, fecal incontinence or gastrointestinal bleeding. These complications are associated with increased hospital length of stay, the development of further complications and even increased mortality. In this article we review the epidemiology, pathophysiology, diagnosis, management and prevention of the most common gastrointestinal complications associated with ischemic stroke.