The ABC's of stroke complications

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States, with more than 140,000 deaths per year. Complications related to stroke resulting in morbidity and mortality are very common and may result from cerebral and extracerebral causes. Cerebral causes include cerebral edema, hemorrhagic conversion of an ischemic infarct, and progression of penumbra to infarction. Extracerebral complications include deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, urinary tract infection, and aspiration. Many of these complications are largely preventable and often tracked as quality metrics in institutions with a stroke center designation. The focus of the article is primarily on common poststroke complications, such as aspiration, DVT, decubitus ulcers, seizures, and urinary catheter infections. Knowledge about potential poststroke complications is critical to earlier diagnosis, proper preventive strategies, and management.