How Does the Patient's Social Network Influence Presentation Time in Acute Stroke?

A smaller social network may be associated with delayed presentation in acute stroke.

Most patients with acute ischemic stroke present to medical attention more than 6 hours after stroke onset. Earlier studies found that increased stroke severity is associated with earlier presentation. Other factors, such as which persons are near or interacting with the patient, may also affect whether and how soon the patient seeks medical attention.

These authors analyzed 175 patients from two centers (mean age, 62; 52% women) who were within 7 days of a mild ischemic stroke (mean NIH stroke scale score, 3). Patients were questioned about the number of their regular social contacts. In addition to size of the social network, researchers assessed constraint (the degree to which each network member is connected to the others) and tie streng…

Reviewing Author

Seemant Chaturvedi, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBayer Pharmaceuticals; Novartis

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Editorial BoardsNeurology; Stroke

Seemant Chaturvedi, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardBayer Pharmaceuticals; Novartis

Grant/Research SupportNational Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Editorial BoardsNeurology; Stroke

How Does the Patient's Social Network Influence Presentation Time in Acute Stroke?

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Reviewing Author