Physical, Executive Function Most Affected After Ischemic Stroke

The most affected health domains after ischemic stroke are physical function, executive function, and satisfaction with social roles, according to a study published in Neurology.

Irene L. Katzan, MD, from the Cleveland Clinic, and colleagues evaluated 1,195 ischemic stroke patients in a cerebrovascular clinic from February 17, 2015, to January 27, 2017. Assessment included the Quality of Life in Neurological Disorders and the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System scales.

The researchers found that the percentage of patients with scores meaningfully worse than the general population ranged from 28% for sleep disturbance to 63% for physical function. Patients with higher modified Rankin Scale (mRS) levels had worse scores, though the association between scores and mRS level varied. Physical function, satisfaction with social roles, and executive function were the most affected domains. Having worse scores in multiple domains was associated with disability, lower income, and female sex. While worse physical function was seen with age, so were lower anxiety, depression, and sleep disturbance.

"This information improves our understanding of the well-being of patients with ischemic stroke and brings attention to the importance of social roles and executive function for stroke survivors," the authors wrote.

One author disclosed financial ties to Novartis.

Source: HealthDay News