Insomnia in ischemic stroke patients

This is the first study that focuses on insomnia in stroke patients. A subgroup of 277 patients from a consecutive series of 486 stroke patients aged 55-85 years was subjected to a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation 3-4 months after ischemic stroke. Of 277 patients, 56.7% reported any insomnia complaint and 37.5% fulfilled the DSM-IV criteria of insomnia. In 38.6%, insomnia complaint/insomnia had already been present prior to the stroke and in 18.1%, it was a consequence of the stroke. Independent correlates of any insomnia complaint/insomnia were anxiety (Zung Anxiety Scale) and the use of psychotropic drug. Independent correlates of poststroke-onset insomnia complaint/insomnia were disability after stroke (Barthel Index), dementia, anxiety and use of psychotropic drug. Insomnia should be taken into consideration in treating and rehabilitating stroke patients. Copyright (C) 2002 S. Karger AG, Basel.