From: Complications in the first week after stroke: a 10-year comparison
Progressing stroke | Decrease of more than 2 point on the sum score of the following: consciousness; gaze paresis; arm, hand, or leg strength on the Scandinavian Stroke Scale (SSS) from the first assessment after admission to the assessment 72 h after stroke |
Recurrent stroke | New onset of focal or neurologic deficits that cannot be attributed to the presenting lesion and are consistent with World Health Organization definition of stroke |
Fever | Temperature ≥38.0 °C at any time during the first week |
Seizures | Clinical diagnosis of focal and/or generalized seizure in a previously non-epileptic patient |
Falls | |
Non-serious falls | Any fall regardless of cause but without serious injury |
Serious falls | Falls resulting in fracture or suturing of wounds or prolonged hospitalization |
Infections | |
Urinary tract infection (UTI) | Clinical symptoms of UTI combined with positive urine dipstick examination for nitrite and/or pyuria |
Chest infection | Auscultatory respiratory crackles combined with at least 1 of the following: temperature >38 °C, new purulent sputum, or positive chest radiograph |
Acute myocardial infarction (MI) | At least 2 of the following: elevated troponin-T values, chest pain without any other explanation, changes in ECG consistent with MI |
Pressure sores | Any skin break or necrosis resulting from pressure of trivial injury (excluding those related to falls) |
Thromboembolism | |
Deep vein thrombosis | Clinical diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis supported by ultrasound or venography |
Pulmonary embolism | Clinical diagnosis supported by computed tomography scan or ventilation/perfusion scan |