Deep Vein Thrombosis and Pulmonary Embolism in Stroke

Shoulder pain as an unusual presentation of pneumonia in a stroke patient: a case report

Etiologies of shoulder pain in the hemiplegic population, such as glenohumeral subluxation, frozen shoulder, and reflex sympathetic dystrophy (RSD), have been described extensively. We present an 89-year-old woman with right hemiparesis secondary to ischemic lacunar infarction who developed sudden onset of right shoulder pain on the fifth day of inpatient rehabilitation. The pain was severe, limiting range of motion (ROM) and participation in therapy. Extensive investigations to rule out subluxation, fracture, connective tissue disease, RSD, and pulmonary embolism were negative. Ultimately, her shoulder pain and decreased ROM completely resolved with antibiotic treatment for right lower lobe pneumonia. We conclude that her symptoms were possibly referred pain from diaphragmatic irritation transmitted via right C4 sensory axons in the phrenic nerve, which shares the same dermatome as the right acromion area. This case was an unusual presentation of pneumonia in an elderly woman with hemiplegia. We recommend that pneumonia be considered in the differential diagnoses of shoulder pain.

Stroke rehabilitation. 2. Co-morbidities and complications

This self-directed learning module highlights new advances in the understanding of co-morbid conditions and medical complications of stroke. It is part of the chapter on stroke rehabilitation in the Self-Directed Physiatric Education Program for practitioners and trainees in physical medicine and rehabilitation. This article covers co-morbid conditions of stroke patients, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and sleep apnea. It reviews recent information on complications of stroke, including deep venous thrombosis, dysphagia and aspiration, hospital-acquired infections, depression, falls, spasticity, shoulder pain, and seizures. Treatment advances in diabetes, depression, and spasticity are highlighted. Recent information is presented regarding exercise guidelines for the stroke patient with cardiovascular disease, the relationship between stroke and sleep apnea, prophylaxis of deep venous thrombosis, the changing spectrum of hospital-acquired infections, malnutrition in stroke patients, the problem of falls during rehabilitation, the evaluation and management of poststroke shoulder pain, and the risk of seizures after stroke.

Tailoring therapy to a stroke patient's potential

Stroke survivors can be plagued by numerous medical complications, including aspiration pneumonia, heart disease, depression, and venous thromboembolism. Given the impairment already caused by stroke itself, these patients require careful management by a comprehensive rehabilitation team. Dr Harvey discusses common stroke syndromes, possible complications, and appropriate rehabilitation options covering a variety of circumstances.