Medical and social consequences of confusion syndrome that developed in the acute period of ischemic stroke

AIM: To assess the dynamics of cognitive functions in patients in whom the acute period of ischemic stroke was accompanied by the confusion syndrome, in comparison with patients in whom the acute period of stroke was not accompanied by the development of confusion. To assess the impact of clinical features of confusion syndrome on the development of post-stroke cognitive impairment, mortality, and patient care burden.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study involved 99 patients, 55 of whom developed severe confusion during the acute period of stroke, and 44 patients whose ischemic stroke was not complicated by the development of confusion syndrome. The groups were homogeneous in terms of the main etiological factors: age, degree of pre-stroke cognitive impairment. The study assessed the impact of the development of confusional syndrome on the outcome.

RESULTS: Confusion syndrome that develops in the acute period of ischemic stroke significantly increases the risk of developing or worsening existing cognitive impairment, mortality, dependence on care, and the burden on caregivers.

CONCLUSION: Being a serious complication, confusion syndrome requires monitoring of qualitative and quantitative indicators of consciousness in the acute period of ischemic stroke, prevention and, if detected, immediate correction of confusion syndrome.