Fatigue after stroke.

OBJECTIVES: To examine the phenomenon of fatigue after stroke and to review the knowledge about frequency, consequences, associated factors, physiopathology and treatment. MATERIALS AND METHOD: Medline was systematically searched with the following keywords: stroke, fatigue, sleep disorders, exercise, and rehabilitation. All relevant articles found in the references were screened as well. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: Fatigue is a common complaint after stroke and occurs in 39-72% of stroke survivors. Some studies show a severe functional impact of this symptom as well as a high mortality rate. Available evidence concerning associated factors is limited, but fatigue is clearly multifactorial. Some studies show that limited exercise capacity, increased gait energy cost, sleep-disordered breathing and sleep disorders can be related to physical fatigue. Other studies show a link between fatigue and depression. The existence of primary fatigue is still controversial. Treatment must follow a diagnostic approach. Treadmill training, among other treatments, improves fitness reserve and lowering of the energy cost of hemiparetic gait, which could be useful in relieving fatigue.

[Visual dependence after recent stroke]. / Dépendance visuelle après accident vasculaire cérébral récent.

INTRODUCTION: After chronic stroke, inability to use pertinent somatosensory or vestibular information have been described. The aim of the study was to determine whether visual dependence occurred early after stroke before rehabilitation. METHOD: Thirty patients with recent hemiplegia (16 right and 14 left hemispheric stroke) performed the rod and frame test (RFT). Patients were asked to adjust the rod to the vertical position under 3 conditions: basically, with a frame tilted 18 degrees to the right and then with the frame tilted to the left. Bias in each condition (mean, SD) was recorded and compared to adjustments of the rod by 23 controls. Motor control, sensibility, functional level (functional independence measure), age, neglect, and then balance by the postural assessment scale for stroke were assessed. RESULTS: Fifty-six per cent (17/30) of patients but only 26% of controls were influenced by the tilt of the frame on the 2 sides (visual dependence). No correlation was found between visual dependence and the characteristics of the patients. DISCUSSION: Many patients with recent hemiplegia seem to rely on visual input. The mechanisms of such visual dependence are discussed. Rehabilitation programs should take into account the possible impairment of sensory organisation and should include exercises to be performed under visual disturbances.

[Evaluation of the disabilities of hemiplegic patients]. / Evaluation des incapacités fonctionnelles chez le patient hémiplégique: mise au point.

OBJECTIVES: To identify and describe the most useful functional disability scales for assessing post-stroke hemiplegic patients and those used largely in clinical trials. METHODS: A literature review of Medline about the functional parameters for balance, gait and mobility, upper extremity functional abilities, and activities of daily living. The metrologic properties of the scales were specified as were their clinical use. RESULTS: Thirty-three scales were evaluated and classified into five categories: balance (6 scales), gait and mobility (4), upper limb function (11), global motricity scales (5) and independence in activities of daily living (7). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Many functional scales are useful for assessing post-stroke hemiplegic patients. To assess balance, the Postural Assessment Stroke Scale and Berg Balance Scale are the most interesting. The Functional Ambulation Classification and the Timed Up and Go Test are the most relevant to assess gait and mobility. The Action Research Arm Test is largely used to assess upper limb functional abilities. The Functional Independence Measure and the Barthel Index are largely used to assess independence in activities of daily living.

[Efficacy at six months of the botulinum toxin A in the post-stroke lower limb's muscular overactivity]. / Efficacité à six mois de la toxine botulique A dans le traitement de lhyperactivité musculaire du membre inférieur après accident vasculaire cérébral.

OBJECTIVE: Post-stroke hemiplegic patients are often disabled by a muscular overactivity of the lower limb which can be treated by botulinum toxin A (BTX). The aim of this study was to assess the length of this efficiency as expressed by the patient. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study was conducted among consecutive patients with post-stroke hemiplegia, disabled by a distal muscular overactivity of the lower limb. The injection of BTX (Botox Allergan) was given under electrostimulation guidance. Efficiency was assessed by the patient at 1, 3 and 6 months, by means of a three-point scale (absent, real but not enough, very good), on the basis of individual objectives previously defined after the precise description of the symptoms, their type of triggering and their functional impact. RESULTS: Fifty-seven sessions were conducted in 36 patients. At 1 month, 81% of the sessions were efficient, 39% with very good results. At 6 months, 57% of the sessions were still efficient with 25% of very good results. The best results were observed on the permanent extension of the great toe: the efficiency remained very good at 6 months for 47% of the sessions. CONCLUSION: Having been assessed by the patients on the basis of individual objectives, the good result of the treatment by BTX can persist for more than 6 months. This assessment is partly subjective but is, in clinical use, the main basis for the treatment discussion.

[Thalamocapsular metastasis of muco-epidermoid adenocarcinoma of the parotid gland]. / Métastase thalamo-capsulaire d'un adénocarcinome muco-épidermoïde parotidien.

A 58 years woman with muco-epidermitis carcinoma of the left parotid gland treated by parotidectomy and external radiation developed seven years later a left hemianopsia and moria related to thalamo-capsulo-lenticular lesions. Three stereotactic biopsies were performed. Neuropathological examination confirmed a secondary lesion of carcinoma with the same histological features than primary lesion of the parotid. Due to the metastasis location treatment consisted in external radiotherapy guided by stereotactic coordinates.

Rehabilitation of a hemiplegic patient with cardiac assistive device.

INTRODUCTION: Possible admission to a PRM unit of a hemiplegic patient equipped with a left ventricular assistance device (LVAD) may constitute a cause for concern. We are reporting our observation on the subject. OBSERVATION: A 30-year-old hemiplegic patient presented with left hemiparesis secondary to a right middle cerebral artery (MCA) ischemic stroke having occurred during cardiopulmonary arrest. Persistence of major left ventricle dysfunction necessitated installation on 8 November 2011 of a mono-ventricular HEART-MATE II assistive device. Possible later recourse to cardiac transplantation would depend on clinical development. When admitted to a PRM unit on 18 January 2012, the patient presented with left hemiparesis and cognitive disorders. Virtually all members of the attendant medical and paramedical team were given instruction on the functioning of electrical power assistance systems. In spite of the complexity of the logistics, and notwithstanding the difficulty of managing potentially worrisome medical problems, multidisciplinary rehabilitation efforts were successful. The patient's improved condition led to the decision to undertake heart transplantation, which was carried out on 27 October 2012. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This observation illustrates the undeniable role of PRM in decision-making and, more generally, in the opportunities that may arise in sensitive and challenging situations.

Lack of repercussions of sleep apnea syndrome on recovery and attention disorders at the subacute stage after stroke: a study of 45 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Sleep apnea syndrome (SAS) frequently occurs after a stroke. Its association with a poor prognosis is open to discussion. OBJECTIVE: To study, in a physical and rehabilitation medicine (PRM) unit, the possible repercussions of SAS on neurological and functional recovery as well as attentional abilities following a stroke. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Forty-five patients, all of whom had recently had a stroke without previously documented SAS, were screened using the ApneaLink(®) system. An apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) score ≥10 was considered as indicative of SAS. The NIHSS, Fugl-Meyer (FM) and Functional Independence Measure (FIM) Scales were applied on admission and at two months as means of assessing neurological and functional recovery, which was expressed by the difference between the first and the second scores (delta FM, delta NIHSS, delta FIM). The Battery Attention William Lennox (BAWL) Test was given once in order to evaluate attention disorders. SAS severity was categorized according to the AHI. We compared the groups formed (mild, moderate and severe) using the same method. RESULTS: Twenty-eight patients (62.2%) presented AHI ≥ 10. Stroke characteristics were comparable in the SAS+ and the SAS- groups, with average post-stroke time lapse of 26 days, initial average FIM score of 71.2 points ± 26.3 and initial average NIHSS score of 8.9 ± 4.9. The demographic characteristics of the two groups were likewise comparable with the exception of age, as the SAS+ group was pronouncedly older (65.4 vs. 53.5 years). As for delta FIM, which evaluated functional recovery, it averaged 31.8 ± 20.6. Cases of SAS were found to be mild (37.1%), moderate (28.6%) or severe (34.3%). No significant difference was observed on admission or at 2 months as regards the clinical scales or the BAWL test between the two groups or according to severity, except for the NIHSS score at 2 months in the severe sub-group. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study did not demonstrate the supposed repercussions of SAS on the recovery or attentional abilities of post-stroke patients. The tests were maybe given too early; they should take place at a lengthier time interval after the stroke, and also to be more complete.

Poliomyelitis sequels in France and the clinical and social needs of survivors: a retrospective study of 200 patients.

INTRODUCTION: Polio survivors in France are estimated at 50,000. This study aimed at describing their needs from their clinical and vocational conditions. METHOD: A retrospective study of our physical and rehabilitation medicine (PRM) consultation activity. RESULTS: One hundred and fifteen women/85 men, with a mean age of 51years±14.3 (17 to 82). Paralysis involved only one lower limb in 108 patients, the two lower limbs in 56 patients and only one upper limb in 4. At the time of the first consultation 137 patients had experienced functional worsening. The complaints were pain (105 subjects), fatigue (59) and new paresis (58). Only 25% had retired. Post-polio syndrome criteria were present in 46 subjects (23%). Patients who had contracted poliomyelitis in France (56%) differed from the other subjects with regard to age (58.4 versus 41.5), professional status and frequency of PPS (30.9% versus 12.6%). CONCLUSION: These polio survivors were not particularly aged and they had often experienced functional worsening. The evolution of their disease shall represent a public health issue over the decades to come.

Do patients have any special medical or rehabilitation difficulties after a craniectomy for malignant cerebral infarction during their hospitalization in a physical medicine and rehabilitation department?

OBJECTIVES: To observe whether medical complications, the evolution of neurological disorders and dependence and/or the discharge destinations are different for patients treated by craniectomy for malignant cerebral infarction in the middle cerebral artery compared to patients treated medically for severe or malignant cerebral infarction in the same cerebral territory, during their hospitalization in a physical medicine and rehabilitation department. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This retrospective study compared patients treated by craniectomy for malignant cerebral infarction in the middle cerebral artery and patients treated medically for severe or malignant cerebral infarction in the same cerebral territory. Patients were paired according to age, lesion side and hospitalization period. RESULTS: Twelve patients treated by craniectomy (age 43+/-10.44) were paired with 12 patients treated medically (age 49+/-7.66). The two groups were comparable in terms of general undesirable medical events. The medical events related to craniectomy are described. The evolution of patient deficiencies, the length of the hospital stay (194+/-118.93 days vs 152+/-94.64 days), the Functional Independence Measure at discharge (87+/-21.28 vs 95+/-22.19) and the number of direct home discharges (7 vs 9) did not significantly differ between groups. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: No more medical problems were observed in the patients treated by craniectomy than in the patients treated medically, except for the medical events specifically related to craniectomy, which extended the hospital stay but had no major repercussions.