Prevalence of spasticity in patients suffering from ischemic stroke in the internal carotid artery territory – the results of interim analysis of the national registry SONAR (P4.313)

Objective: The main aim of the study was an estimate of the incidence and prevalence of spasticity following ischemic stroke (IS) in the internal carotid artery territory for the regional stroke centers in the Czech Republic; the secondary goal was to identify predictors for the development of spasticity. Background: Post-stroke spasticity, a sensorimotor disorder characterized by a velocity-dependent increase in muscle tone with exaggerated tendon jerks. Early identification, often neglected in daily clinical practice, and appropriate treatment may be difficult. Design/Methods: In the prospective cohort study, 256 consecutive patients with clinical signs of central paresis due to a first-ever IS were examined in the acute stage. All patients met following criteria: patients with primary IS with carotid origin and paresis of the upper and/or lower limb present longer than 7 days after the stroke onset. All patients were examined between 7–10 days after IS. The degree and pattern of paresis and muscle tone, the Barthel Index, baseline characteristic and demographic data were evaluated. Spasticity was assessed using modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) and defined as >1 MAS in any of the examined muscle groups. Results: Out of 256 included patients (157 males; mean age 69.9±12.4 years), 115 (44.9 %) patients developed spasticity during the first 10 day after stroke onset. Eighty-three (32.5 %) patients presented with mild neurological deficit (modified Rankin scale 0 – 2) and 69 (27.0 %) patients were bedridden. Conclusions: Spasticity was noted in 44.9 % patients with neurological deficit due to first-ever stroke in carotid territory during the first 10 days after stroke onset. Severe spasticity was rare. Study Supported by: This study was conducted on an academic basis and supported by the AZV of the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic no. 15-31921A; Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic MH CZ – DRO (FNOL, 00098892)–2016 and by a grant from the Internal Grant Agency of Palacky University IGA UP LF-2016-017. Disclosure: Dr. Kanovsky has received research support from Merz. Dr. Dornak has nothing to disclose. Dr. Maria has nothing to disclose. Dr. Jech has nothing to disclose. Dr. Bares has nothing to disclose. Dr. Dusek has nothing to disclose. Dr. Mužik has nothing to disclose. Dr. Hoskovcova has nothing to disclose. Dr. Konvalinkova has nothing to disclose. Dr. Srp has nothing to disclose. Dr. Riha has nothing to disclose. Dr. Navratilova has nothing to disclose. Dr. Otruba has nothing to disclose.