A predictive score for atrial fibrillation in poststroke patients.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a risk factor for cerebral ischemia. Identifying the presence of AF, especially in paroxysmal cases, may take time and lacks clear support in the literature regarding the optimal investigative approach; in resource-limited settings, identifying a higher-risk group for AF can assist in planning further investigation. OBJECTIVE: To develop a scoring tool to predict the risk of incident AF in the poststroke follow-up. METHODS: A retrospective longitudinal study with data collected from electronic medical records of patients hospitalized and followed up for cerebral ischemia from 2014 to 2021 at a tertiary stroke center. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram data, as well as neuroimaging data, were collected. Stepwise logistic regression was employed to identify associated variables. A score with integer numbers was created based on beta coefficients. Calibration and validation were performed to evaluate accuracy. RESULTS: We included 872 patients in the final analysis. The score was created with left atrial diameter ≥ 42 mm (2 points), age ≥ 70 years (1 point), presence of septal aneurysm (2 points), and score ≥ 6 points at admission on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS; 1 point). The score ranges from 0 to 6. Patients with a score ≥ 2 points had a fivefold increased risk of having AF detected in the follow-up. The area under the curve (AUC) was of 0.77 (0.72-0.85). CONCLUSION: We were able structure an accurate risk score tool for incident AF, which could be validated in multicenter samples in future studies.

ANTECEDENTES: Fibrilação atrial (FA) é um fator de risco para isquemia cerebral. Identificar a presença de FA, especialmente em casos paroxísticos, pode demandar tempo, e não há fundamentos claros na literatura quanto ao melhor método de proceder à investigação; em locais de parcos recursos, identificar um grupo de mais alto risco de FA pode auxiliar no planejamento da investigação complementar. OBJETIVO: Desenvolver uma ferramenta de escore para prever o risco de FA no acompanhamento após acidente vascular cerebral (AVC). MéTODOS: Estudo longitudinal retrospectivo, com dados coletados dos prontuários eletrônicos de pacientes hospitalizados e acompanhados ambulatorialmente por isquemia cerebral, de 2014 a 2021, em um centro de AVC terciário. Foram coleados dados demográficos, clínicos, laboratoriais, de eletrocardiograma e ecocardiograma, além de dados de neuroimagem. Mediante uma regressão logística por stepwise, foram identificadas variáveis associadas. Um escore com números inteiros foi criado com base nos coeficientes beta. Calibração e validação foram realizadas para avaliar a precisão. RESULTADOS: Foram incluídos 872 pacientes na análise final. O escore foi criado com diâmetro de átrio esquerdo ≥ 42 mm (2 pontos), idade ≥ 70 anos (1 ponto), presença de aneurisma septal (2 pontos) e pontuação à admissão ≥ 6 na escala de AVC dos National Institutes of Health (National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale, NIHSS, em inglês; 1 ponto). O escore tem pontuação que varia de 0 a 6. Pacientes com escore ≥ 2 pontos tiveram cinco vezes mais risco de terem FA detectada no acompanhamento. A área sob a curva (area under curve, AUC, em inglês) foi de 0.77 (0.72­0.85). CONCLUSãO: Pudemos estruturar uma ferramenta precisa de escore de risco de FA, a qual poderá ser validada em amostras multicêntricas em estudos futuros.

Contributions of neuroimaging in central poststroke pain: a review.

BACKGROUND: Central neuropathic poststroke pain (CNPSP) affects up to 12% of patients with stroke in general and up to 18% of patients with sensory deficits. This pain syndrome is often incapacitating and refractory to treatment. Brain computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are widely used methods in the evaluation of CNPSP. OBJECTIVE: The present study aims to review the role of neuroimaging methods in CNPSP. METHODS: We performed a literature review of the main clinical aspects of CNPSP and the contribution of neuroimaging methods to study its pathophysiology, commonly damaged brain sites, and possible differential diagnoses. Lastly, we briefly mention how neuroimaging can contribute to the non-pharmacological CNPSP treatment. Additionally, we used a series of MRI from our institution to illustrate this review. RESULTS: Imaging has been used to explain CNPSP pathogenesis based on spinothalamic pathway damage and connectome dysfunction. Imaging locations associated with CNPSP include the brainstem (mainly the dorsolateral medulla), thalamus (especially the ventral posterolateral/ventral posteromedial nuclei), cortical areas such as the posterior insula and the parietal operculum, and, more recently, the thalamocortical white matter in the posterior limb of the internal capsule. Imaging also brings the prospect of helping search for new targets for non-pharmacological treatments for CNPSP. Other neuropathic pain causes identified by imaging include syringomyelia, multiple sclerosis, and herniated intervertebral disc. CONCLUSION: Imaging is a valuable tool in the complimentary evaluation of CNPSP patients in clinical and research scenarios.

ANTECEDENTES: A dor neuropática central pós-acidente vascular cerebral (DNPAVC) afeta até 12% dos pacientes com AVC em geral e até 18% dos pacientes com déficits sensoriais. Essa síndrome dolorosa costuma ser incapacitante e refratária ao tratamento. A tomografia computadorizada e a ressonância magnética do cérebro são métodos amplamente utilizados na avaliação da DNPAVC. OBJETIVO: Este estudo tem como objetivo revisar o papel dos métodos de neuroimagem na DNPAVC. MéTODOS: Realizamos uma revisão da literatura sobre os principais aspectos clínicos da DNPAVC e a contribuição dos métodos de neuroimagem para estudar a fisiopatologia da DNPAVC, locais cerebrais comumente lesados na DNPAVC e possíveis diagnósticos diferenciais. Por fim, mencionamos brevemente como a neuroimagem pode contribuir no tratamento não farmacológico da DNPAVC. Além disso, utilizamos uma série de imagens de ressonância magnética da nossa instituição para ilustrar esta revisão. RESULTADOS: Os exames de imagem têm sido usados para explicar a patogênese da DNPAVC com base no dano da via espinotalâmica e na disfunção do conectoma. Os locais de imagem associados à DNPAVC incluem o tronco cerebral (principalmente o bulbo dorsolateral), o tálamo (especialmente os núcleos ventral posterolateral/ventral posteromedial), áreas corticais como a ínsula posterior e o opérculo parietal e, mais recentemente, a substância branca tálamo-cortical no membro posterior da cápsula interna. Os exames de imagem também trazem a perspectiva de auxiliar na busca de novos alvos para tratamentos não farmacológicos para DNPAVC. Outras causas de dor neuropática identificadas por exames de imagem incluem siringomielia, esclerose múltipla e hérnia de disco intervertebral. CONCLUSãO: Os exames de imagem são uma ferramenta valiosa na avaliação complementar de pacientes com DNPAVC em cenários clínicos e de pesquisa.

Pharyngeal phase of swallowing in post-stroke dysphagia: videoendoscopy and speech-language-hearing assessment. / Fase faríngea da deglutição na disfagia pós-AVE: achados videoendoscópios e da avaliação fonoaudiológica.

PURPOSE: To investigate the outcomes of fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of pharyngeal swallowing phase and clinical evaluation of swallowing among dysphagic individuals with and without chronic stroke in different food consistencies. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional and retrospective study based on data collection from medical records. 134 swallowing video endoscopy exams of dysphagic patients were analyzed, in which they were divided into two groups according to the diagnosis of stroke, in which data were collected regarding mobility and strength of the tongue, phonation and cough efficiency, and the pharyngeal signs of dysphagia with four food consistencies from the International Dysphagia Diet Standardization Initiative (IDDSI), for comparison between groups. To analyze and classify the severity of pharyngeal residues, the Yale Pharyngeal Residue Severity Rating Scale (YPRSRS) was used by two independent professionals. RESULTS: There was a significant difference in the presence of pharyngeal residue, laryngeal penetration and laryngotracheal aspiration in all consistencies evaluated (level 0, 2, 4 and 7) (p= <0.001), in addition to the association with multiple swallowing in thin liquid, slightly thickened liquid and solid (level 0, 2 and 7) (p= 0.026). CONCLUSION: Dysphagic individuals diagnosed with stroke showed differences in videoendoscope signs of pharyngeal residue, laryngeal penetration and laryngotracheal aspiration, regardless of the food consistency assessed, compared to dysphagic individuals without the diagnosis. Just as there was a difference in the finding of multiple swallowing only in the consistencies of thin liquid, extremely thickened liquid and solid.

OBJETIVO: Investigar os achados videoendoscópios da fase faríngea da deglutição e da avaliação clínica da deglutição, entre indivíduos disfágicos com e sem AVE crônico em diferentes consistências alimentares. MÉTODO: Trata-se de um estudo transversal e retrospectivo com base na coleta de dados dos prontuários. Foram analisados 134 exames da videoendoscopia da deglutição de pacientes disfágicos, em que foram divididos em dois grupos de acordo com o diagnóstico de AVE, na qual, foram coletados dados com relação à mobilidade e força de língua, fonação e eficiência da tosse, e os sinais faríngeos de disfagia com quatro consistências alimentares do International Dysphagia Diet Standartisation Initiative (IDDSI), para comparação entre os grupos. Para análise e classificação da gravidade dos resíduos faríngeos, foi utilizado o Yale Pharyngeal Residue Severity Rating Scale (YPRSRS) por dois profissionais independentes. RESULTADOS: Houve diferença significativa com a presença de resíduos faríngeos, penetração laríngea e aspiração laringotraqueal em todas as consistências avaliadas (nível 0, 2, 4 e 7) (p= <0,001), além da associação com deglutições múltiplas em líquido ralo, líquido levemente espessado e sólido (nível 0, 2 e 7) (p= 0,026). CONCLUSÃO: Os indivíduos disfágicos com diagnóstico de acidente vascular encefálico apresentaram diferença nos sinais videoendoscópios de resíduos faríngeos, penetração laríngea e aspiração laringotraqueal independentemente da consistência alimentar avaliada, em comparação aos indivíduos disfágicos sem o diagnóstico. Assim como houve diferença no achado da deglutição múltipla apenas nas consistências de líquido ralo, líquido extremamente espessado e sólido.

Respiratory muscle strength in stroke: a case-control study.

AIM: The aim of the study was to determine the respiratory muscle strength of stroke patients and compare them with healthy individuals. METHOD: The study was conducted with 171 patients who had a stroke between 2017 and 2021 and 32 healthy controls. Respiratory muscle strength and inspiratory and expiratory mouth pressure (MIP and MEP) were measured using the portable MicroRPM device (Micro Medical, Basingstoke, UK). RESULTS: The stroke group exhibited significantly lower values in both MIP for men (p<0.001) and women (p=0.013) and maximal expiratory pressure for men (p<0.001) and women (p=0.042), compared with the healthy control group. Notably, there was a significant difference in the MIPmen (p=0.026) and MEPmen (p=0.026) values when comparing the reference values, which were calculated based on age and sex, with those of the healthy group. The baseline values calculated according to age for stroke patients were as follows: MIPmen 31.68%, MIPwomen 63.58%, MEPmen 22.54%, and MEPwomen 42.30%. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the significant respiratory muscle weakness experienced by stroke patients, with gender-specific differences. It highlights the importance of incorporating respiratory assessments and interventions into stroke rehabilitation protocols to improve the overall health and well-being of stroke patients.

Use of athletic tape in the speech-language-hearing treatment of post-stroke facial paralysis in the acute phase. / Utilização da bandagem elástica funcional no tratamento fonoaudiológico da paralisia facial pós-AVC na fase aguda.

PURPOSE: To verify the efficacy of using athletic tape associated with myofunctional therapy in the speech-language-hearing treatment of facial palsy after stroke in the acute phase. METHOD: Randomized controlled clinical study with 88 patients with facial palsy in the acute phase of stroke. The sample was allocated in: Group 1: rehabilitation with orofacial myofunctional therapy and use of athletic tape on the paralyzed zygomaticus major and minor muscles; Group 2: rehabilitation alone with orofacial myofunctional therapy on the paralyzed face; Group 3: no speech-language-hearing intervention for facial paralysis. In the evaluation, facial expression movements were requested, and the degree of impairment was determined according to the House and Brackmann scale. Movement incompetence was obtained from measurements of the face with a digital caliper. After the evaluation, the intervention was carried out as determined for groups 1 and 2. The participants of the three groups were reassessed after 15 days. The statistical analysis used was the generalized equations. RESULTS: The groups were homogeneous in terms of age, measure of disability and functioning, severity of neurological impairment and pre-intervention facial paralysis. Group 1 had a significant improvement in the measure from the lateral canthus to the corner of the mouth, with better results than groups 2 and 3. CONCLUSION: The athletic tape associated with orofacial myofunctional therapy had better results in the treatment of facial paralysis after stroke in the place where it was applied.

OBJETIVO: Verificar a eficácia do uso da bandagem elástica funcional associada à terapia miofuncional no tratamento fonoaudiológico da paralisia facial pós-acidente vascular cerebral na fase aguda. MÉTODO: Estudo clínico controlado randomizado com 88 pacientes com paralisia facial na fase aguda do acidente vascular cerebral. A amostra foi alocada em: Grupo 1: reabilitação com terapia miofuncional orofacial e utilização da bandagem elástica funcional nos músculos zigomáticos maior e menor paralisados; Grupo 2: reabilitação apenas com terapia miofuncional orofacial na face paralisada; Grupo 3: sem qualquer intervenção fonoaudiológica para paralisia facial. Na avaliação foram solicitados os movimentos de mímica facial e o grau do comprometimento foi determinado de acordo com a escala de House e Brackmann. A incompetência do movimento foi obtida a partir de medições da face com paquímetro digital. Após a avaliação, a intervenção foi realizada de acordo como determinado para os grupos 1 e 2. Os participantes dos três grupos foram reavaliados após 15 dias. A análise estatística utilizada foi das equações generalizadas. RESULTADOS: Os grupos foram homogêneos quanto à idade, medida de incapacidade e funcionalidade, gravidade do comprometimento neurológico e da paralisia facial pré-intervenção. O grupo 1 teve melhora significativa na medida canto externo do olho à comissura labial, com melhores resultados quando comparado aos grupos 2 e 3. CONCLUSÃO: A bandagem elástica funcional associada a terapia miofuncional orofacial apresentou melhor resultado no tratamento da paralisia facial após acidente vascular cerebral no local onde foi aplicado.

Presence of Self-Reported Sleep Alterations After Stroke and Their Relationship With Disability: A Longitudinal Study.

BACKGROUND: Sleep disorders have a prevalence of 30% to 70% in post-stroke individuals. The presence of sleep disorders and poor sleep quality after stroke can affect important functions and lead to worse outcomes. However, most studies are restricted to the acute post-stroke stage only. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the frequency of self-reported sleep alterations in a sample of chronic stroke individuals and to identify which self-reported sleep alterations were associated with disability. METHODS: Prospective exploratory study. Self-reported sleep alterations were measured by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Insomnia Severity Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, and STOP-Bang Questionnaire. The dependent variable was measured 3 years after the first contact by the Modified Rankin Scale (mRS). Step-wise multiple linear regression analysis was employed to identify which sleep alterations were associated with disability. RESULTS: Sixty-five individuals with stroke participated. About 67.7% of participants had poor sleep quality, 52.4% reported insomnia symptoms, 33.9% reported excessive daytime sleepiness, and 80.0% were classified as intermediate or high risk for obstructive sleep apnea. Only risk for obstructive sleep apnea was significantly associated with disability and explained 5% of the variance in the mRS scores. CONCLUSION: Self-reported sleep alterations had a considerable frequency in a sample of chronic stroke individuals. The risk of obstructive sleep apnea was associated with disability in the chronic stage of stroke. Sleep alterations must be considered and evaluated in the rehabilitation process even after a long period since the stroke onset.

Repetitive peripheral sensory stimulation for motor recovery after stroke: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Enhancing afferent information from the paretic limb can improve post-stroke motor recovery. However, uncertainties exist regarding varied sensory peripheral neuromodulation protocols and their specific impacts. This study outlines the use of repetitive peripheral sensory stimulation (RPSS) and repetitive magnetic stimulation (rPMS) in individuals with stroke. METHODS: This scoping review was conducted according to the JBI Evidence Synthesis guidelines. We searched studies published until June 2023 on several databases using a three-step analysis and categorization of the studies: pre-analysis, exploration of the material, and data processing. RESULTS: We identified 916 studies, 52 of which were included (N = 1,125 participants). Approximately 53.84% of the participants were in the chronic phase, displaying moderate-to-severe functional impairment. Thirty-two studies used RPSS often combining it with task-oriented training, while 20 used rPMS as a standalone intervention. The RPSS primarily targeted the median and ulnar nerves, stimulating for an average of 92.78 min at an intensity that induced paresthesia. RPMS targeted the upper and lower limb paretic muscles, employing a 20 Hz frequency in most studies. The mean stimulation time was 12.74 min, with an intensity of 70% of the maximal stimulator output. Among the 114 variables analyzed in the 52 studies, 88 (77.20%) were in the "s,b" domain, with 26 (22.8%) falling under the "d" domain of the ICF. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Sensory peripheral neuromodulation protocols hold the potential for enhancing post-stroke motor recovery, yet optimal outcomes were obtained when integrated with intensive or task-oriented motor training.

Effects of eccentric strength training on motor function in individuals with stroke: a scoping review.

BACKGROUND: Preliminary evidence suggests that eccentric strength training (ECC) improves muscle strength and postural control in individuals with stroke; however, the evidence about the effects of ECC in people living with stroke has not been systematically analyzed. OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of ECC, compared to other exercise modalities (i.e., concentric training), on motor function in individuals with stroke. METHODS: This scoping review was performed according to PRISMA extension for scoping reviews. Until March 2023, a comprehensive search of studies using ECC intervention to improve motor functions in individuals with stroke was performed. Study designs included were randomized and non-randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies using MEDLINE, Web of Science, Rehabilitation & Sports Medicine, PEDro, and OTSeeker databases. Two independent reviewers selected articles based on title and abstract and extracted relevant information from the eligible studies. The results were qualitatively synthesized, and the critical appraisal was performed using the Rob 2.0 and Robins-I tools. RESULTS: Ten studies, with 257 individuals, were analyzed. ECC revealed positive effects on muscle strength, muscular activity, balance, gait speed, and functionality, mainly compared with concentric training, physical therapy, and daily routine. No significant adverse events were reported during ECC. The critical appraisal of individual articles ranged from some to high concern. CONCLUSION: ECC had a greater and positive effect on motor function in individuals with stroke than other exercise modalities. However, the limited number of studies, variability of outcomes, and the risk of bias produced a low certainty of evidence.

Resting-state EEG as Biomarker of Maladaptive Motor Function and Depressive Profile in Stroke Patients.

Objective: Investigate the relationship between resting-state EEG-measured brain oscillations and clinical and demographic measures in Stroke patients. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of a cohort study (DEFINE cohort), Stroke arm, with 85 patients, considering demographic, clinical, and stroke characteristics. Resting-state EEG relative power from delta, theta, alpha, and beta oscillations were measured from the central region. Multivariate regression models were used for both affected and non-affected hemispheres. Results: Motor function was negatively associated with Delta and Theta oscillations, while positively associated with Alpha oscillations (both hemispheres). Similarly, cognition levels measured were negatively associated with Delta activity. Depression levels were negatively associated with Alpha activity specifically in the affected hemisphere, while positively associated with Beta activity in both hemispheres. Regarding pain measures, no significant association was observed, while CPM measure showed a positive association with Alpha activity in the non-affected hemisphere. Finally, we found that theta/alpha ratio was negatively associated with motor function and CPM scores. Conclusion: The results lead us to propose a framework for brain oscillations in stroke, whereas Delta and Beta would represent disrupted mal-adaptive brain plasticity and Theta and Alpha would represent compensatory and functional brain oscillations for motor and sensory deficits in stroke, respectively.

Improvement of gait and balance function in chronic post-stroke patients induced by Lower Extremity - Constraint Induced Movement Therapy: a randomized controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of Lower Extremity - Constraint Induced Movement Therapy on gait function and balance in chronic hemiparetic patients. METHODS: Randomized, controlled, single-blinded study. We recruited chronic post stroke patients and allocated them to Lower Extremity - Constraint Induced Movement Tharapy (LE-CIMT) or Control Group. The LE-CIMT group received this protocol 2.5 hour/day for 15 followed days, including: 1) intensive supervised training, 2) use of shaping as a strategy for motor training, and 3) application of a transfer package. The control group received conventional physiotherapy for 2.5 hours/day for 15 followed days. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, after the interventions, and after 6 months, through 6-minute walk test and Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test; 10-meter walk test, Timed Up and Go, 3-D gait analysis, and Lower Extremity - Motor Activity Log. RESULTS: LE-CIMT was superior on the Assistance and confidence subscale of Lower Extremity - Motor Activity Log, Mini-BESTest and 6-minute walk test. The effect size for all outcomes was small when comparing both groups. LE-CIMT showed clinically significant differences in daily activities, balance, and gait capacity, with no clinically significant difference for spatiotemporal parameters. CONCLUSION: The LE-CIMT protocol had positive outcomes on balance, performance, and confidence perception.

Effects of photobiomodulation on pain, lactate and muscle performance (ROM, torque, and EMG parameters) of paretic upper limb in patients with post-stroke spastic hemiparesis-a randomized controlled clinical trial.

The objective of the study was to investigate the impact of photobiomodulation (PBM) on the paretic upper limb in post-stroke patients with spastic hemiparesis and to understand the potential of PBM as a long-term non-invasive therapy for reducing the side effects caused by spasticity in the hemiparetic upper limb after a stroke. This is a double-blind randomized clinical trial constituted of 27 participants, being Control group (CG = 12 healthy individuals) and PBM group (PBMG = 15 post-stroke individuals). In the CG, the baseline blood lactate (BL) was evaluated, followed by the evaluation of the IC torque of the biceps and triceps muscles, with the isokinetic dynamometer associated with surface electromyography (EMG) and, subsequently, a new measurement of BL. The PBMG received 10 sessions of treatment with PBM (780 nm, Power: 100 mV, Power Density: 3.18 W/cm2, Energy: 4 J, Fluency: 127.4 J/cm2, Time: 40 s per point and 1.280 s total, Spot: 0.0314 cm2, 32 Points: 16 points (brachial biceps) and 16 points (brachial triceps) applied with contact at 90°, Total Energy: 64 J), which in the pre-treatment evaluation measured BL, the visual analogue scale (VAS) of pain; torque and EMG of the same muscles in the IC, subsequently, a new measurement of VAS and BL, and measurement of range of motion (ROM) during the reaching movement. At the conclusion of the ten sessions, all participants underwent a reassessment, wherein all tests originally administered during the initial evaluation were repeated. Subsequently, the data were analyzed using the Shapiro-Wilk normality test. For related data, the paired t-test was used for normal distributions and the Wilcoxon test for non-normal data. For unrelated data, the t test was used for normal distributions and the Mann-Whitney test for non-normal data. Muscle torque was higher for the CG, with a significant difference (CGxPBMG = p < 0.0001). There was no significant difference between the EMG values of the CG in relation to the Pre-PBM phase and with the Post-PBM phase of the PBMG (p > 0.05). On the other hand, there was a 38% reduction in pain reported by hemiparetic patients (p = 0.0127) and a decrease in BL in the PBMG. Post-PBM ROM increased by 46.1% in the elbow extension of the paretic limb. In conclusion, Photobiomodulation (PBM) demonstrated significant improvements in muscle performance, reducing fatigue and pain levels, and enhancing range of motion in post-stroke patients with spastic hemiparesis. These findings support the potential integration of PBM into rehabilitation protocols, but further research and clinical trials are needed to validate and expand upon these promising outcomes.

Causes and prognosis of adults experiencing a first seizure in adulthood: A pilot cohort study conducted in five countries in Latin America.

There are limited data on first seizure (FS) among adults in low and middle-income countries. We describe findings from a prospective cohort study involving 180 adults presenting with seizures in emergency departments in five Latin American countries. Overall, 102 participants (56.7%) had acute symptomatic seizures (ASyS) while 78 (43.3%) had unprovoked seizures (UPS). Among patients with ASyS, 55 (53.9%) had structural causes, with stroke (n = 24, 23.5%), tumor (n = 10, 9.8%), and trauma (n = 3, 3%) being the most frequent. Nineteen patients (18.6%) had infectious causes, including four (4%) with meningoencephalitis, three (3%) neurocysticercosis, and two (2%) bacterial meningoencephalitis. Twenty patients (19.6%) had metabolic/toxic evidence, including four (4%) with uremic encephalopathy, two (2%) hyponatremia, and three (3%) acute alcohol intoxication. Immune dysfunction was present in seven (7%) patients and neurodegenerative in two (2%). Among participants with UPS, 45 (57.7%) had unknown etiology, 24 (30.7%) had evidence of structural disorders (remote symptomatic), four (5%) were related to infectious etiology (>7 days before the seizure), and five (6.4%) had genetic causes. During the 3- and 6-month follow-up, 29.8% and 14% of patients with UPS, respectively, experienced seizure recurrence, while 23.9% and 24.5% of patients with ASyS had seizure recurrence. Longer follow-up is necessary to assess seizure recurrence for patients with ASyS after the acute cause is resolved and to determine the 10-year risk of recurrence, which is part of the definition of epilepsy. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: We monitored 180 adults who presented with their first seizure in emergency departments across five Latin American countries. Among these patients, 57% had acute symptomatic seizures, with structural causes such as stroke (23%), infection (17%), or tumor (10%) being more prevalent. Among the 43% with unprovoked seizures, 58% showed no identifiable acute cause, while 6.4% were due to genetics. Within 3 months after their initial seizure, 26.6% of individuals experienced a second seizure, with 11.9% continuing to have seizures in Months 3-6. Between Months 3 and 6, an additional 20% of patients encountered a second seizure. Research is needed to better understand the cause and prognosis of these patients to improve outcomes.

Comparative transcriptomic analysis of circulating endothelial cells in sickle cell stroke.

Ischemic stroke (IS) is one of the most impairing complications of sickle cell anemia (SCA), responsible for 20% of mortality in patients. Rheological alterations, adhesive properties of sickle reticulocytes, leukocyte adhesion, inflammation and endothelial dysfunction are related to the vasculopathy observed prior to ischemic events. The role of the vascular endothelium in this complex cascade of mechanisms is emphasized, as well as in the process of ischemia-induced repair and neovascularization. The aim of the present study was to perform a comparative transcriptomic analysis of endothelial colony-forming cells (ECFCs) from SCA patients with and without IS. Next, to gain further insights of the biological relevance of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), functional enrichment analysis, protein-protein interaction network (PPI) construction and in silico prediction of regulatory factors were performed. Among the 2469 DEGs, genes related to cell proliferation (AKT1, E2F1, CDCA5, EGFL7), migration (AKT1, HRAS), angiogenesis (AKT1, EGFL7) and defense response pathways (HRAS, IRF3, TGFB1), important endothelial cell molecular mechanisms in post ischemia repair were identified. Despite the severity of IS in SCA, widely accepted molecular targets are still lacking, especially related to stroke outcome. The comparative analysis of the gene expression profile of ECFCs from IS patients versus controls seems to indicate that there is a persistent angiogenic process even after a long time this complication has occurred. Thus, this is an original study which may lead to new insights into the molecular basis of SCA stroke and contribute to a better understanding of the role of endothelial cells in stroke recovery.

Reliability and validity of remote Life Space Assessment: LSA in persons with chronic stroke.

BACKGROUND: StepWatch Activity Monitor (SAM) is used to measure the mobility of chronic hemiparetic patients and the Life Space Assessment (LSA) scale was developed to assess the displacement of hemiparetic patients in different contexts through self-reporting. Studies that apply the LSA remotely and correlate it with the number of steps measured by the SAM were not found. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the measurement properties of the LSA applied remotely and to evaluate the correlation between the LSA scale score and the number of steps measured by the SAM in post-stroke chronic hemiparetic patients. METHODS: Nineteen patients participated in the study. The LSA scale was applied remotely and later, face to face. The SAM measured the steps taken by the participants over a period of three consecutive days. The correlation between the LSA and the SAM was performed using Pearson's correlation. The measurement properties calculated of remote LSA were the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), Cronbrach's alpha, standard error of measurement (SEM), and smallest real difference (SRD). RESULTS: The reproducibility of the LSA scale between remote and face-to-face applications was considered excellent with ICC = 0.85 (IC 95% 0.62-0.94); SEM = 8.4; SRD = 23.2, and Cronbach's alpha = 0.85. The correlation between SAM and LSA was positive, considered moderate (r = 0.51) and significant (p = 0.025). CONCLUSION: The LSA is a reproducible measure for post-stroke chronic hemiparetic patients even if applied remotely and can be used as a remote measurement for mobility in a real-world environment for people with chronic hemiparesis after stroke.

ANTECEDENTES: O StepWatch Activity Monitor (SAM) é utilizado para medir a mobilidade de pacientes hemiparéticos crônicos e a escala Life Space Assessment (LSA) avalia o deslocamento de pacientes hemiparéticos em diferentes contextos por meio de autorrelato. Não foram encontrados estudos que tenham aplicado a LSA remotamente nem que a correlacionam com o número de passos mensurados pelo SAM. OBJETIVO: Avaliar as propriedades de medida da LSA aplicada remotamente e avaliar a correlação entre o escore da escala LSA e o número de passos mensurados pelo SAM em pacientes com hemiparesia crônica pós-AVC. MéTODOS: Dezenove participantes responderam a LSA remotamente e, posteriormente, presencialmente. O SAM mediu os passos dados pelos participantes durante um período de três dias consecutivos. A correlação entre a LSA e o SAM foi realizada por meio da correlação de Pearson. As propriedades de medida calculadas da LSA aplicada remotamente foram o coeficiente de correlação intraclasse (ICC), alfa de Cronbrach, erro do padrão de medida (SEM) e menor diferença real (SRD). RESULTADOS: A reprodutibilidade da escala LSA entre as aplicações remotas e presenciais foi considerada excelente com ICC = 0,85 (IC 95% 0,62-0,94); SEM = 8,4; SRD = 23,2 e alfa de Cronbrach = 0,85. A correlação entre SAM e a LSA foi positiva, considerada moderada (r = 0,51) e significativa (p= 0,025). CONCLUSãO: A LSA é uma medida reprodutível para pacientes hemiparéticos crônicos pós-AVC mesmo se aplicada remotamente e pode ser usada como uma medida remota de mobilidade em ambiente real para pessoas com hemiparesia crônica após AVC.

A Brazilian series utilizing the SMASH-U system for etiologic classification of intracerebral hemorrhage.

BACKGROUND: Understanding the causes of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is crucial for effective treatment and preventing recurrences. The SMASH-U scale is a suggested method for classifying and predicting the outcomes of ICH. OBJECTIVE: To describe the SMASH-U classification and outcomes by etiology in patients admitted to a comprehensive stroke center in São Paulo, Brazil. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients admitted to the hospital or outpatient clinic between April 2015 and January 2018. Two stroke neurologists evaluated the SMASH-U classification, and patients with incomplete medical records were excluded. RESULTS: Out of the 2000 patients with a stroke diagnosis evaluated, 140 were included in the final analysis. The mean age was 57.9 (± 15.5) years, and 54.3% were male. Hypertension was the most frequent etiology, accounting for 41.4% of cases, followed by amyloid angiopathy (18.5%) and structural lesions (14.1%). Structural lesions were more common among women and patients under 45 years old. Favorable outcomes were observed in 61% of patients with structural lesions, compared to 10% of patients with medication-related etiologies. CONCLUSION: This study provides important evidence regarding the etiological classification of Brazilian patients with ICH. Hypertension and amyloid angiopathy were the most frequent causes, while structural lesions and systemic diseases were more common in younger patients.

ANTECEDENTES: Compreender as causas da hemorragia intracerebral (HIC) é crucial para o tratamento eficaz e prevenção de recorrências. A escala SMASH-U é um método sugerido para classificar e prever os resultados da HIC. OBJETIVO: Descrever a classificação SMASH-U e os resultados por etiologia em pacientes admitidos em um centro de acidente vascular cerebral (AVC) em São Paulo, Brasil. MéTODOS: Foi realizada uma análise retrospectiva de pacientes admitidos no hospital ou ambulatório entre abril de 2015 e janeiro de 2018. Dois neurologistas especializados em doenças cerebrovasculares avaliaram a classificação SMASH-U e pacientes com prontuários incompletos foram excluídos. RESULTADOS: Dos 2000 pacientes com diagnóstico de AVC avaliados, 140 foram incluídos na análise final. A idade média foi de 57,9 (±15,5) anos e 54,3% eram do sexo masculino. A hipertensão foi a etiologia mais frequente, correspondendo a 41,4% dos casos, seguida pela angiopatia amiloide (18,5%) e lesões estruturais (14,1%). As lesões estruturais foram mais comuns em mulheres e pacientes com menos de 45 anos. Resultados favoráveis foram observados em 61% dos pacientes com lesões estruturais, em comparação com 10% dos pacientes com etiologias relacionadas a medicamentos. CONCLUSãO: Este estudo fornece evidências importantes sobre a classificação etiológica de pacientes brasileiros com HIC. A hipertensão e a angiopatia amiloide foram as causas mais frequentes, enquanto lesões estruturais e doenças sistêmicas foram mais comuns em pacientes mais jovens.

Three-year incidence and acute setting predictors of epilepsy after neonatal and childhood arterial ischaemic stroke: a disease-based cohort study.

To assess the association between clinical and MRI characteristics of arterial ischaemic stroke (AIS) and the 3-year risk of post-stroke epilepsy (PSE) in paediatric patients. Retrospective cohort study. Database from a single tertiary referral centre for paediatric stroke in Chile. Two hundred seven neonates and children (1 day to 18 years) with a first-ever supratentorial AIS diagnosed between January 2003 and December 2019 were evaluated. Diagnosis of PSE and explanatory variables were consecutively recorded from hospital inpatient and annual outpatient records in a predesigned database. Competing risk analysis (competing events: death and loss to follow-up) of multiple Cox proportional hazards regression was performed to estimate adjusted subhazard ratios (SHRs) of PSE. Confidence intervals (95% CI) were calculated using bootstrap resampling (1000 replications). Interaction terms were added to investigate moderating effects. The 3-year incidence rate of PSE was 166.5 per 1000 person-years (neonatal: 150.1; childhood: 173.9). The 3-year cumulative incidence was 33%. Patients with acute symptomatic non-status seizures (SHR = 3.13; 95% CI = 1.43-6.82), status epilepticus (SHR = 5.16; 95% CI = 1.90-13.96), abnormal discharge neurological status (SHR = 2.52; 95% CI = 1.12-5.63), cortical lesions (SHR = 2.93; 95% CI = 1.48-5.81), and multifocal infarcts with stroke size < 5% of supratentorial brain volume (SHR = 3.49; 95% CI = 1.44-8.46) had a higher risk of PSE. CONCLUSION: This study identified specific and reliable acute clinical and imaging predictors of PSE in paediatric patients, helping clinicians identify high-risk patients with potential implications for treatment decisions. WHAT IS KNOWN: • Numerous risk factors have been proposed for post-stroke epilepsy, but there is a lack of studies evaluating these variables while accounting for confounding factors and competing risks over time. WHAT IS NEW: • After adjustment for competing events, acute symptomatic seizures, both non-status and status epilepticus, abnormal mental status or motor neurological examination at hospital discharge, cortical involvement, and multifocal ischaemic lesions in small strokes are all independent predictors of post-stroke epilepsy. • Knowing the predictors of post-stroke epilepsy is essential for clinicians to make well-informed and effective decisions about treatment.

Teaching Video NeuroImage: Isolated Undulating Tongue Hyperkinesia Following a Basilar Stroke.

An 82-year-old man with a history of hypertension and coronary revascularization presented with sudden-onset right hemiparesis and disorientation lasting 5 hours. On admission, he was intubated because of gasping and a Glasgow Coma Scale of 3. Hemorrhagic stroke was suspected, but ruled out by the initial head CT, which revealed old cerebellar lacunae. The following day, the comatose, now unsedated patient exhibited tetraparesis; fixed, nonreactive pupils; and corneal reflex, but no oculocephalic reflex. Rhythmic undulating tongue movements without palatal or limb involvement were first observed (Video 1). EEG revealed no epileptiform activity. Follow-up head CT showed acute ischemic lesions in the thalamocapsular region, midbrain, and pons while angiotomography revealed distal basilar artery occlusion (Figure). Involuntary tongue movements, though rare, have been associated with various conditions such as stroke, trauma, and epilepsy.1,2 These movements may result from disinhibition within the inhibitory reticular formation projecting to hypoglossal neurons, suggesting the pontine reticular formation as a central pacemaker.2.

Connected Language Performance in Neurotypical and Persons with Aphasia: Use of the Brazilian-Portuguese Story Retell Procedure.

INTRODUCTION: It is important to analyze the micro- and macrostructure of connected language production across languages in neurotypical and impaired speakers such as people with aphasia (PWA). However, the validity, reliability, sensitivity, or specificity of the available Brazilian-Portuguese connected language production batteries remains untested. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to provide a preliminary assessment of the translated Brazilian-Portuguese Story Retell Procedure (SRP-BP) in PWA and neurotypical control participants (NCPs) and investigate whether the SRP can serve as a measure of overall communication impairment in PWA. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was developed at the Federal University of São Paulo. Seven right-handed PWA and 14 NCPs were recruited. PWA had a single left-hemisphere post-stroke lesion and were without severe aphasia or non-fluent aphasia that might interfere with performing the SRP. The connected language measures calculated from the SRP-BP were the numbers of words, information units, and propositions produced. The data were analyzed with the non-parametric Mann-Whitney test. RESULTS: The NCPs produced significantly more information units and propositions in each of the 12 SRP-BP stories than the PWA group. The same group results were found for the number of words for 11 of the 12 stories, with no statistically significant difference between groups for the Água (Water) story. CONCLUSION: The SRP-BP distinguished the connected language production of PWA from that of NCPs. These results motivate additional psychometric assessment and test development of the SRP-BP in neurotypical, PWA, and other language and cognitively impaired populations.

Grade-4/5 motor activity log-Brazil for post-stroke individuals with a severely impaired upper limb: a validity, reliability and measurement error study.

PURPOSE: This study examined the clinimetrics of the Brazilian-Portuguese translation of the Grade-4/5 Motor Activity Log (MAL 4/5), which assesses everyday use of the more affected upper-limb (UL) in stroke survivors with moderate/severe or severe motor impairment. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The translated MAL 4/5 was administered to 47 stroke survivors with moderate/severe or severe UL motor impairment. Accelerometers were worn on participants' wrists for five days on average prior to the first assessment. Test-retest and inter-rater reliabilities were assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), internal consistency using Cronbach's α, and construct validity was tested with correlations with the accelerometry. The measurement error (SEM) and the minimal detectable change (MDC) were calculated. RESULTS: MAL4/5-Brazil's test-retest reliability (AOU: ICC = 0.84; QOU: ICC = 0.90), inter-rater reliability (AOU: ICC = 0.83; QOU: ICC = 0.91), internal consistency (Cronbach's α = 0.91 and 0.95 for AOU and QOU scales, respectively), the SEM and MDC were 0.3 and 0.8 points for the AOU subscale and 0.2 and 0.5 points for the QOU subscale, respectively. The construct validity (AOU scale: r = 0.67; QOU scale: r = 0.76) was high. CONCLUSION: Grade-4/5 Motor Activity Log-Brazil is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing the more-affected UL use of stroke patients with moderate/severe or severe UL motor impairments.

Reliability and concurrent validity of the Grade-4/5 MAL-Brazil were established in adults with hemiparesis moderate/severe or severe upper extremity post Stroke.The minimum detectable change for the Grade-4/5 MAL-Brazil was 0.8 points for the Amount of Use scale and 0.5 points for the Quality of Use scale.Data from the accelerometry supports the construct validity of this instrument.The assessment can now be used clinically and for research in adults with impairment upper extremity moderate/severe or severe post Stroke.

Persistent headache attributed to past ischemic stroke: A prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the incidence, characteristics, and risk factors for developing persistent headache attributed to past ischemic stroke. BACKGROUND: Although the most recent International Classification of Headache Disorders has recognized the existence of persistent headache attributed to past ischemic stroke, there has been limited research in this area. METHODS: This was a prospective cohort study. We initially assessed patients hospitalized with ischemic stroke admitted within 72 h of symptom onset. All patients underwent diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. These patients were re-interviewed by telephone 1 year after the stroke. Semi-structured questionnaires, the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), and six-item Headache Impact Test were used. RESULTS: A total of 119 participants answered the interview conducted 1 year after the stroke. The mean (standard deviation) age was 64 (13.1) years, 82/119 (68.9%) were female, and the median (interquartile range) NIHSS score was 2 (1.0-4.0). The incidence rate of persistent headache attributed to past ischemic stroke was 12/119 (10.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI] 5.3-17.0%). The most frequent pattern presented was a migraine-like pattern in seven of the 12 (58.3%) patients, which had a substantial/severe impact on five of the 12 (41.7%). For most patients this headache continued, although it began to improve. Previous migraine (odds ratio 7.1, 95% CI 1.06-50.0; p = 0.043) and headache intensity in the acute phase of stroke (odds ratio 1.75, 95% CI 1.13-2.7; p = 0.012) were associated with the occurrence of persistent headache attributed to past ischemic stroke. CONCLUSION: Persistent headache attributed to past ischemic stroke is a frequent complication after stroke. It often has a significant impact on patients' lives and presents a migraine-like pattern as its most frequent phenotype.