A case of refractory Ogilvie syndrome following a haemorrhagic stroke.

Acute colonic pseudo-obstruction (ACPO), or Ogilvie syndrome, is colonic bowel obstruction without a mechanical cause. Stroke is known to result in autonomic disturbance, which is one of the factors that can lead to ACPO, yet it has only rarely been described post stroke. There are several management options available, including conservative techniques, pharmacological therapies, endoscopic treatments and, finally, surgery.

Developing and testing a patient information booklet for thrombolysis used in acute stroke.

Objective  Thrombolysis decreases the chance of post-stroke dependence, although its use carries significant risk, notably of intra-cerebral haemorrhage. Patients (and families) face an important risk/benefit decision before consenting. We drafted a patient information booklet for this purpose, and applied performance-based readability testing with the aim that the most important information in the booklet could be found and understood.

Structured re-assessment system at 6 months after a disabling stroke: a randomised controlled trial with resource use and cost study.

Background: national policy recommends routine re-assessment of disabled patients and their carers at 6 months after stroke onset. The clinical and resource outcomes of this policy were investigated.

Design: prospective, single-blind, randomised controlled trial in two centres.

Acceptance, effectiveness and safety of continuous positive airway pressure in acute stroke: a pilot study.

Objectives: To evaluate the acceptance, effectiveness in preventing upper airways obstruction, and haemodynamic effects of continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) in acute stroke.

Methods: Twelve patients (4 M, and 8 F; mean (SD), 75.2 (5.