STROKE - NONMOTOR SEQUELAE, MEDICAL CO-MORBIDITY AND PATTERNS OF INTERVENTION AFTER REFERRAL TO A SPECIAL INTEREST SERVICE

Stroke poses a considerable financial burden on the health services as well as contributing to enormous personal suffering. A study was unde rtaken in 100 patients over 65 years old in a geriatric unit. Neuro-ra diology confirmed cerebral infarcts in 91 and 89 per cent had addition al neuromedical problems. Specific sequelae of stroke occured in 53 pe r cent of which 21 per cent related to dysphagia. Among various treatm ents 61 per cent were referred for physiotherapy and occupational and speech/language therapy. Knowledge of the nature and timing of complic ations is important in planning stroke services and the input of early medical specialist assessment has been shown to influence mortality a nd rehabilitation outcome.