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Stroke: Post-Stroke Complications

Sometimes patients may experience problems or complications after stroke. Learn what can happen after a stroke, and measures for early detection, prevention and treatment.

Patients may continue to experience some symptoms and problems after a stroke. Medical complications after stroke may be managed, especially if detected and treated early.

Contractures

This permanent shortening or a muscle or joint causes the limbs to become fixed in a certain position. Contractures usually occur due to brain damage and irreversible contraction and fibrosis of the muscles.

Infection

Swallowing impairment can sometimes result in food or fluids entering the lungs, leading to pneumonia.

Poor hygiene care of the genital area may also cause urinary tract infection.

Pressure Sores

The constant pressure over certain body parts from reduced mobility may cause the skin over that area to break down.

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)

Formation of blood clots in veins of the legs may occur because of reduced mobility after stroke.

Muscle Spasticity

Muscle spasticity after stroke may cause your muscle to become tense and contract abnormally leading to pain.

Seizures

Damaged brain cells from stroke may lead to abnormal electrical activity in the brain causing convulsions.

Related: Epilepsy

Shoulder Subluxation

Subluxation is the partial dislocation of a joint. It may occur when there is a lack of support in an arm due to weakness. The hanging of the affected arm pulls the arm from the shoulder at the joint.

Life After Having A Stroke:

For more on stroke, go to our StrokeHub

This article was last reviewed on Tuesday, May 25, 2021