Let’s find out more about the common physical complications which will be covered in this module.
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Painful shoulder
Shoulder pain is common after stroke with around 25% of patients reporting pain. The natural instability of the joint along with the presence of hemiplegia in the upper limb can make it particularly susceptible to damage during the course of care procedures.
You can also visit CC 7: Limb Weakness, AM 7: Physical Rehabilitation, and AM 14: Pain Management for more information on this topic.
Abnormal tone
The normal muscular activity (tone) required to maintain postural alignment may be affected after stroke resulting in decreased/low and/or increased/high tone. Abnormal tone may result in the loss of range of movement and ultimately joint contracture.
You can also visit AM 7: Physical Rehabilitation and AM 19: Management of Tone & Spasticity After Stroke for more information on this topic.
Oedema
Loss or reduction of active movement and activity of the vascular muscle pump results in impaired venous return. This combined with poor positioning (the arm being allowed to ‘hang’) results in pooling of fluid in the extremity.
You can also visit AM 7: Physical Rehabilitation and AM 19: Management of Tone & Spasticity After Stroke for more information on this topic.
Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)
Approximately 2% of stroke patients develop a DVT which occurs when a blood clot forms in a deep leg vein. 10-20% of immobile patients (perhaps 6-12% of all admissions) will develop DVT. Only one third of these will have the typical symptoms. This thrombus may become mobile within the blood stream and result in a PE (pulmonary embolus) which can be fatal.
You can also visit AM 17: Reducing the Risk of Venous Thromboembolism for more information on this topic.
Pressure ulcer
Around 20% of stroke patients may develop pressure ulcers which will result in the breakdown of body tissues.
You can also visit CC 14: Preventing Pressure Sores for more information on this topic.
Chest infection
Around 20% of stroke patients will develop a chest infection. Aspiration, hypoventilation and general immobility are common causes of chest infection.
You can also visit AM 2: Physiological Monitoring for more information on this topic.
Page last reviewed: 28 Jan 2021
