Study shows no clear recommendation on head position after acute stroke

Whether a patient after an acute Stroke Whether the patient is lying down or upright plays a minor role in first aid. More important are the rapid Diagnosis and acute treatment with therapy and early rehabilitation in so-called stroke units in the first 24 hours after the StrokeBy taking the right action, risks and later disabilities can be reduced. The best position for the head after a stroke to improve the prognosis for treatment is subject to individual criteria. This is at least what a recent study by an international team led by Dr. Craig Anderson in Sydney has shown.

Advantages and disadvantages of positioning the head after a stroke cancel each other out

The doctors originally wanted to use their study to give a binding recommendation for the best possible head position for a person after an acute stroke. To do this, they worked with 114 clinics in a total of nine countries to observe more than 11.000 inpatients with acute stroke. To achieve a result, half of those affected were placed lying down immediately after admission, while the other half were placed in an upright position (at least 30°). The aim was to determine which group was more likely to experience complications and disabilities. It is a fact that stroke patients who are lying down have better blood flow to the damaged brain region, but also have an increased risk of suffocation from their own stomach contents. In contrast, when the patient is placed upright and almost sitting down, swelling in the brain is reduced. Which variant is most likely to promote the course of the disease and recovery after a stroke?

Possible disability after a stroke does not depend on head position

For the evaluation, the frequency of deaths and the severity of disabilities caused by the Stroke at 90 days after the stroke. However, no significant differences in the course of therapy were found depending on the patient's position. There were also no obvious serious disadvantages to positioning the head in a lying or upright position after an acute stroke. The team led by Dr. Craig Anderson therefore recommends that decisions be made based on individual criteria after a stroke diagnosis.