Autonomic dysfunction in first ever ischemic stroke: prevalence, predictors and short term neurovascular outcome.

There is considerable evidence in literature suggesting that acute stroke can negatively impact cardiovascular function. Stroke has been shown to produce changes in autonomic function, increase the incidence of cardiac arrhythmias, cause myocardial damage and raise plasma catecholamine levels [1]. All these can predispose stroke survivors to sudden death [2]. The crucial central control sites of the autonomic function are found to be the insular cortex, amygdala, and lateral hypothalamus [3]. Their affection can produce alteration of autonomic tone, resulting in impaired control of blood pressure and heart rate with increased susceptibility for cardiac adverse events.

Source: Clinical Neurology and Neurosurgery - August 22, 2016 Category: Neurosurgery Authors: Sandeep Nayani, Sapna Erat Sreedharan, Narayanan Namboodiri, PSankara Sarma, PN Sylaja Source Type: research