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Post stroke shoulder pain: more common than previously realized
Author(s) -
Gamble Giles E.,
Barberan Elisa,
Bowsher David,
Tyrrell Pippa J.,
Jones Anthony K.P.
Publication year - 2000
Publication title -
european journal of pain
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.305
H-Index - 109
eISSN - 1532-2149
pISSN - 1090-3801
DOI - 10.1053/eujp.2000.0192
Subject(s) - medicine , stroke (engine) , neurological examination , physical examination , physical therapy , rehabilitation , incidence (geometry) , prospective cohort study , depression (economics) , physical medicine and rehabilitation , surgery , mechanical engineering , physics , optics , engineering , economics , macroeconomics
Stroke is a common disease often requiring rehabilitation, which may be prolonged by shoulder pain. The true incidence of post stroke shoulder pain has not been fully evaluated. In order to establish this, we undertook a prospective study of 123 consecutive patients with a diagnosis of acute stroke during a 6‐month period. Patients were assessed by interview, full rheumatological and neurological examination, 14 days post stroke, for a history of shoulder pain according to predetermined criteria. In addition, Barthel Index, HAD score and pain scores were also recorded. Twenty‐five percent of patients developed shoulder pain within 2 weeks of their stroke. There was a statistically significant association with ipsilateral sensory impairment ( p <0.005), abnormal rheumatological examination ( p <0.001) and depression score ( p <0.005). We conclude that post stroke shoulder pain is more common than previously realized and in addition to abnormal shoulder joint examination may also be associated with upper limb sensory impairment. Thorough neurological examination is required to detect sensory loss and hence establish patients at risk. This is probably best done by a structured proforma.