| Abstract [eng] |
Nearly 12 million new cases of stroke are recorded annually. The central autonomic network is located within the central nervous system, and lesions to this network can induce autonomic dysfunction. The central autonomic network is diffusely distributed throughout the central nervous system, therefore lesions of any localisation can impair the function this network. Stroke induced autonomic derangements increase the risk of poor stroke outcomes, infections, cardiovascular damage, and early death. Some autonomic function alterations can have acute and obvious consequences – they can lead to myocardial injury, arrhythmia, heart failure, gastrointestinal bleeding, impaired respiratory rhythm or urinary retention or incontinence. However, some impairments of autonomic function can go unnoticed by patients, but can still be hazardous. This narrative review examines the spectrum of post-stroke autonomic dysfunction, its pathophysiological mechanisms and the intricacies of its management. |
