Abstract

The present study aimed at the evaluation of the prognostic value of brain stem insufficiency in stroke patients. The sample included 432 subjects with acute ischaemic and haemorrhagic hemispheric stroke, in case of which brain stem insufficiency occurred within the first 24 hours from the stroke onset. The depth of BSI was assessed with the help of Brain Stem Insufficiency Scale, which evaluates patients' consciousness, whole body motorics, vegetative functions (arterial blood pressure, pulse, breathing, body temperature) pupils' and eye-ball movement. The total score of BSI scale is 63 points. Diminishing score indicates the progression of brain stem insufficiency. Three degrees of BSI were established: I°- 53-44 points, II°- 43-34 points, III°- less than 33 points. The subjects were divided into three groups with respect to the degree of brain stem insufficiency. In these groups, we evaluated patients' mortality and the probability of surviving the first 3 weeks of stroke (Kaplan-Meier curves). The depth of brain stem insufficiency within the first 24 hours of stroke, evaluated with the help of BSI scale is of prognostic value for patients' survival.

Keywords: Stroke, brain stem insufficiency, Prognosis