Post-Stroke Complications: Paralysis/Paresis Terminology

Complication = adverse outcome secondary to primary disease. Post-stroke motor deficits are classified by severity:

• Hemiplegia — complete paralysis of one side
• Hemiparesis — weakness (partial paralysis) of one side
• Monoplegia/paresis — single limb
• Diplegia — both legs > arms

Terminology

• "Post-stroke hemiparesis" > "post-stroke paralysis" (more precise)
• ICD-10-CM: I69.3- (sequelae of cerebral infarction) with .0–.9 for deficits
• Functional scales: NIHSS, mRS, Fugl-Meyer

Management

• Early rehabilitation (PT/OT/SLP)
• Spasticity management (botulinum toxin, baclofen, therapy)
• Neuroplasticity-based interventions (CIMT, robotics, tDCS)
• Prevent complications: contractures, DVT, pneumonia, depression