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From the Research
Causes of Unilateral Extremity Edema Following a Cerebrovascular Accident (CVA)
The causes of unilateral extremity edema following a CVA are complex and multifaceted. Some possible factors include:
- Cerebral edema, which can lead to increased intracranial pressure and subsequent compression of blood vessels, resulting in edema in the affected extremity 1, 2, 3
- Musculoskeletal complications, such as muscular contractures, which can develop due to incorrect limb placement and immobilization 4
- Inflammatory reactions and cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury, which can contribute to the development of cerebral edema and subsequent extremity edema 3
- Hemodynamic changes, such as cerebral venous reflux, which can also play a role in the development of cerebral edema and extremity edema 3
Pathophysiology of Cerebral Edema
Cerebral edema is a serious complication of ischemic stroke, and its pathophysiology is not yet fully understood. However, research suggests that it may be related to factors such as:
- Aquaporin 4, a protein that plays a role in water transport across cell membranes 3
- The SUR1-TRPM4 channel, which is involved in the regulation of ion and water transport 3
- Matrix metalloproteinase 9, an enzyme that can contribute to blood-brain barrier disruption and edema formation 3
- MicroRNA, which can regulate gene expression and influence the development of cerebral edema 3
Clinical Implications
The development of unilateral extremity edema following a CVA can have significant clinical implications, including: