From the Guidelines
Sequelae refers to conditions that occur as a consequence of a previous disease, injury, or medical treatment, and can appear immediately after the primary condition or develop much later, sometimes months or years afterward, varying widely in severity from minor residual symptoms to serious, life-altering conditions. These are the aftereffects or complications that develop following an initial illness or condition. For example, rheumatic heart disease can be a sequela of untreated strep throat, while post-traumatic stress disorder might be a sequela of experiencing trauma. The term comes from Latin, meaning "that which follows," highlighting the cause-and-effect relationship between the original condition and its consequences. Understanding potential sequelae is important in medicine for proper patient monitoring, early intervention, and comprehensive treatment planning to minimize long-term complications, as noted in studies such as 1, which discusses the range of potential symptoms and impairments after sport-related concussion, and 2, which highlights the importance of managing poststroke sequelae to optimize recovery and prevent complications. Key aspects of sequelae include their variability in severity, their potential to impact quality of life, and the need for healthcare providers to anticipate and manage them effectively, as emphasized in guidelines such as those for the management of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage 3. Some sequelae may be preventable or manageable with appropriate interventions, making early recognition and treatment crucial for improving patient outcomes. Overall, recognizing and addressing sequelae is a critical component of comprehensive patient care, aiming to minimize morbidity, mortality, and improve the quality of life for individuals who have experienced a previous disease, injury, or medical treatment.
From the Research
Definition of Sequelae
- Sequelae refers to the after-effects or consequences of a disease, condition, or injury [@[no reference available]@].
Related Concepts
- The provided studies do not directly define the term "sequelae" but discuss various after-effects of stroke, such as cognitive impairment, motor function, and physical disability [@[no reference available]@].
Studies on Stroke Rehabilitation
- Several studies investigate the effects of physical exercise and cognition-orientated interventions on post-stroke cognitive function and motor recovery [4, 5, 6, 7, 8].
- These studies examine the impact of different rehabilitation approaches, including physical therapy, occupational therapy, and virtual reality therapy, on stroke patients' functional independence, motor function, and cognitive outcomes.
- The findings suggest that physical rehabilitation, combined with standard neurorehabilitation, can improve aerobic capacity, arm motor function, and cognitive outcomes in post-stroke individuals [7].
- Very early exercise has also been shown to positively modulate inflammatory markers and improve clinical outcomes in patients with ischaemic stroke [8].