From the Guidelines
All patients with minor stroke should undergo nutritional screening within 24-48 hours of admission to identify those at risk of malnutrition, as early identification of nutritional issues is crucial for optimal recovery and rehabilitation outcomes. The American Heart Association/American Stroke Association guidelines for adult stroke rehabilitation and recovery emphasize the importance of dysphagia screening, management, and nutritional support in the acute phase of stroke 1. Although the guidelines do not provide a specific percentage of patients with minor stroke who require nutritional monitoring, they highlight the need for early identification of dysphagia and aspiration risk to prevent adverse health consequences such as pneumonia, malnutrition, and dehydration.
Some key points to consider in the nutritional assessment of patients with minor stroke include:
- Evaluation of swallowing ability to identify dysphagia or aspiration risk
- Assessment of hydration status and baseline nutritional parameters
- Consideration of individual factors such as pre-existing nutritional status, comorbidities, and specific neurological deficits that can influence nutritional risk
- Regular reassessment throughout the hospital stay to monitor changes in nutritional status during recovery.
According to the guidelines, early tube feeding (started within 7 days) may increase the survival of dysphagic patients who cannot safely eat by mouth, but providers should initiate early tube feeds while considering the goals of care and the potential for severely disabled states 1. Overall, a comprehensive nutritional assessment and support plan should be tailored to the individual needs of each patient with minor stroke to optimize their recovery and rehabilitation outcomes.
From the Research
Nutritional Monitoring in Minor Stroke Patients
- The exact percentage of patients with minor stroke who require nutritional monitoring in the acute phase is not explicitly stated in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, it is noted that malnutrition is common among stroke patients, with a prevalence ranging from 8% to 34% after an acute stroke 4.
- Dysphagia is a significant risk factor for malnutrition in stroke patients, and many patients require specialized nutrition support in the acute phase and beyond 3, 5.
- The use of enteral nutrition support is recommended for stroke patients with dysphagia to enhance their nutritional status and promote health 4, 5, 6.
- Guidelines suggest that swallowing, hydration, and risk of malnutrition should be screened by a dietitian or professional before providing nutritional support 5.