Improving outcome in stroke patients with visual problems.

Background: stroke is a common condition, frequently with significant effects on a patient's ability to live an active and independent life. Anything that may potentially have a beneficial effect on the rehabilitation of such patients should therefore be explored, and as ocular and visual problems are common in patients with stroke, it is important that their implications are understood.

Objective: this article aims at providing a broad overview of the literature relating to visual problems in stroke patients, looking particularly at the impact on, and the potential for, recovery and rehabilitation.

Orthostatic hypotension following acute intracerebral haemorrhage.

Background: Blood pressure regulation may be impaired following acute stroke. Typically, there is overactivity of the sympathetic nervous system and underactivity of the parasympathetic system resulting in transient hypertension. Orthostatic hypotensive responses in acute stroke are less well documented.