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Table 1 Definition of complications

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