Patterns of hemiparesis recovery in lacunar and partial anterior circulation infarct stroke syndromes

Abstract

Objective: To investigate patterns of hemiparesis recovery in lacunar (LACI) and partial anterior circulation infarct (PACI) stroke syndromes.

Design: Prospective observational study.

Setting: District general hospital and stroke rehabilitation ward.

Subjects: Forty-seven patients (25 LACI and 22 PACI) with a first-ever stroke causing a hemiplegia. Average age 76.4 years (range 59–88).

Measures: Outcome measures assessed disability (Barthel Index), limb power (Motricity Index) and mobility (Rivermead Mobility Index) at baseline and 3, 6, 9, 12, 16 and 24 weeks post stroke onset.

Results: The time to maximum recovery, time to 50% recovery and area under the recovery curve was determined for each of the outcome measures. There were no statistical differences between these recovery parameters between the PACI and LACI stroke syndromes.

Conclusion: Classification of hemiplegic stroke into PACI or LACI syndromes does not distinguish distinctive recovery patterns.

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