Efficacy of a clinical stroke score in monitoring complications in acute ischaemic stroke patients could be used as an independent prognostic factor

Background: Presence of medical complications in stroke patients has been established. The efficacy of a stroke score in intensive monitoring of these complications in acute ischaemic stroke patients has not been studied. Methods: Eighty-seven patients with acute ischaemic stroke were assessed with National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) by the examiner within days of admission; (1, 7, 30, and 90 days). Onset and types of complications were documented within the duration of the study period, using a questionnaire and laboratory investigations. Results: Fifty-nine [67.8%] patients in the study population had complications, with mean initial NIHSS score 17.1 +/- 7.9; mortality was 39%, and 27.8% of survivors had good recovery. In patients without complications, the mean initial NIHSS score was 11.4 +/- 6.0; mortality was not observed, and 50% of survivors had good recovery. Conclusion: All patients without complications survived. High NIHSS scores, (with minimal changes below baseline) were related to high mortality and morbidity in the complications group.