• Journal of Haehwa Medicine
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• v.23 no.1
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• pp.125-135
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• 2014

Objectives : The purpose of this study is to detect the change of pattern according to phase and to identify the associated factors with depression in stroke patients. Methods : The study was designed as a longitudinal study. Data was collected from 90 subjects, who were diagnosed with stroke using a brain MRI. The instruments included rehabilitation will, social support, FIM(Functional Independence Measure), NIHSS(National Institute of Health Stroke Scale), and BDI(Beck Depression Index). The collected data were analyzed using by SPSS 19.0 program package. Results : There were significant differences of depression pattern among the three phases. The most depression associated factor was the level of FIM. Conclusion : These results will support strategies for intervention to improve depression of stroke patients. Most affecting factors should be considered for depression intervention.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.45 no.6
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• pp.360-368
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• 2009

Objective : The objectives of this study were to analyze the recanalization rates and outcomes of multimodal therapy that consisted of sequential intravenous (IV)/intra-arterial (IA) thrombolysis, mechanical thrombolysis including mechanical clot disruption using microcatheters and microwires, balloon angioplasty, and stenting for acute ischemic stroke, and to evaluate the prognostic factors related to the outcome. Methods : Fifty patients who were admitted to the hospital within 8 hours from ischemic symptom onset were retrospectively analyzed. Initial IV thrombolysis and subsequent cerebral angiography were performed in all patients. If successful recanalization was not achieved by IV thrombolysis, additional IA thrombolysis with mechanical thrombolysis, including balloon angioplasty and stenting, were performed. The outcomes were assessed by the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) change and modified Rankin scale (mRS) and prognostic factors were analyzed. Results : Successful recanalization was achieved in 42 (84%) of 50 patients, which consisted of 8 patients after IV thrombolysis, 19 patients after IA thrombolysis with mechanical clot disruption, and 15 patients after balloon angioplasty or stenting. Symptomatic hemorrhage occurred in 4 (8%) patients. Good outcomes were achieved in 76% and 70% of patients upon discharge, and 93% and 84% of patients after 3 months according to the NIHSS change and mRS. The initial clinical status, recanalization achievement, and presence of symptomatic hemorrhage were statistically related to the outcomes. Conclusion : Multimodal therapy may be an effective and safe treatment modality for acute ischemic stroke. Balloon angioplasty and stenting is effective for acute thrombolysis, and produce higher recanalization rates with better outcomes.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.47 no.4
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• pp.258-264
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• 2010

Objective : The objectives of this study were to analyze the outcome and hemorrhagic risk of intravenous (IV) argatroban in patients with acute ischemic stroke presenting beyond six hours of ischemic symptom onset. Methods : Eighty patients with acute ischemic stroke who were admitted to the hospital beyond six hours from ischemic symptom onset were retrospectively analyzed. We could not perform IV thrombolysis or intra-arterial thrombolysis because of limited time window. So, IV argatroban was performed to prevent recurrent thrombosis and progression of infarcted area. The outcome was assessed by the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and related hemorrhagic risk was analyzed. Also, each outcome was analyzed according to the initial stroke severity, subtype, and location. Results : The median NIHSS was 8.0 at admission, 4.1 upon discharge, and 3.3 after three months. A good outcome was achieved in 81% of patients upon discharge and 88% after three months. Symptomatic hemorrhage occurred in only two patients (3%). IV argatroban was effective regardless of initial stroke severity, subtype, and location. Conclusion : IV argatroban may be an effective and safe treatment modality for acute ischemic stroke presenting beyond six hours of ischemic symptom onset.

• Quality Improvement in Health Care
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• v.15 no.2
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• pp.73-81
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• 2009

문제: 뇌졸중 환자를 돌보는 간호현장에서는 급성기 뇌졸중 환자의 증상악화에 대한 조기사정과 적절한 대처가 매우 중요한 문제이다. 그러나 임상현장에서는 이를 객관화하고 수치화하여 모든 의료진이 의사소통할 수 있는 유용한 도구를 사용하고 있지는 못하는 실정이다. 이러한 문제를 해결하기위해 NIHSS(National Institute of Health Stroke Scale)를 신경과 진료의사를 중심으로 활용하고 있지만 아직 간호현장에서는 보편적으로 사용하지 않고 있다. 이에 뇌졸중 환자 간호에 NIHSS를 활용하여 뇌졸중 증상악화의 조기사정과 빠른 대처로 궁극적으로는 뇌졸중 환자 간호의 질을 보다 향상시키기 위하여 본 활동이 시도되었다. 목적: 첫째, 간호사의 NIHSS 측정 신뢰도의 현수준을 점검하고 이를 향상시키기 위한 프로그램을 개발 적용한다. 둘째, 간호사가 급성기 뇌졸중환자에게 NIHSS 측정을 통하여 뇌졸중 악화를 얼마나 예측할 수 있는지 분석하고 이를 향상시킬 수 있는 방법을 모색한다. 셋째, 궁극적으로 급성기 뇌졸중 환자의 증상악화의 조기 발견과 치료를 위한 의료진의 올바른 대처지침을 마련하여 이를 적용한다. 의료기관: 경기도에 소재한 대학병원의 뇌졸중 집중치료실. 질 향상 활동: 첫째, 간호사의 NIHSS 측정 신뢰도 향상을 위해 "NIHSS 간호사 교육 프로그램"을 마련하였다. 둘째, NIHSS 측정을 통한 뇌졸중 악화 예측율 향상을 위하여 "뇌졸중 악화 발생 시 의사, 간호사 대처 활동 프로토콜"을 개발하고 추적 관찰하였다. 개선효과: NIHSS 측정 신뢰도는 질 향상 활동 전 89%에서 92%로 향상되었다. 그리고 간호사의 뇌졸중 악화 양성 예측율은 58.7%에서 87.1%로 향상되었다(참고 : 간호사의 뇌졸중 악화 음성 예측율 100% 유지). 즉 "NIHSS 간호사 교육 프로그램 활용", "뇌졸중 악화 발생 시 의사, 간호사 대처 활동 프로토콜"의 적용으로 뇌졸중의 조기 발견 및 치료가 가능하였고, 향후 환자 예후에 긍정적인 영향을 줄 수 있을 것이라 기대된다.

• Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
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• v.8 no.4
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• pp.187-193
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• 2019

Objective: The aim of this preliminary study was to investigate the effects of virtual reality combined with balance training on upper limb function, balance, and activities of daily living (ADL) in persons with acute stroke. Design: Randomized controlled trial. Methods: Fourteen acute stroke survivors were recruited and randomly assigned into two groups: the experimental group (n=7) and the control group (n=7). Both groups performed the conventional rehabilitation therapy for 30 minutes a day, 5 times a week, for 4 weeks. Additionally, the experimental group conducted the virtual reality training for 30 minutes on an unstable surface during each session, whereas the control group performed balance training for 30 minutes on a stable surface. All measurements were performed before and one day after intervention. Upper limb function, balance, and ADL were assessed using the Manual Function Test (MFT), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and the Korean version of the Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI), respectively. Results: Both groups showed significant improvements in MFT, BBS, K-MBI after intervention (p<0.05). There were no significant differences between the experimental and control groups with respect to MFT, BBS, and K-MBI after intervention. The experimental group showed a greater decrease in fall risk (BBS<45) after intervention than the control group (p<0.05). Conclusions: These findings suggest that virtual reality combined with balance training has a better effect on balance improvement than virtual reality training alone in persons with acute stroke.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.47 no.6
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• pp.428-432
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• 2010

Objective : An effective intervention has not yet been established for patients with acute occlusion of the internal carotid artery (ICA). The aim of our study was to investigate the feasibility, safety, and efficacy of emergent stent placement of carotid artery to improve neurologic symptoms and clinical outcome. Methods : Of 84 consecutive patients with severe ICA stenosis who were admitted to our institution from March 2006 to May 2009, 10 patients with acute ICA occlusion (11.9%) underwent emergency carotid artery stent placement. We reviewed their records for neurologic outcome using the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score, before and at 7 days after stent placement; clinical outcome using the modified Rankin Scale score (mRS) and Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS); frequency of procedure-related complications; and recurrence rate of ipsilateral ischemic stroke within 90 days. Results : Carotid lesions were dilated completely in all patients. Median NIHSS scores before emergency stent placement and at 7 days were 16.6 and 6, respectively, showing significant improvement. Eight patients (80%) had favorable outcomes (mRS score 0-2 and GOS 4-5). Complications occurred in two patients (20%): stent insertion failed in one and an intracerebral hemorrhage occurred in the other. Ipsilateral ischemic stroke did not recur within 3 months. Conclusion : Emergency carotid artery stent placement can improve the 7-day neurologic outcome and the 90-day clinical outcome in selected patients with acute cerebral infarction.

• Journal of Neurocritical Care
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• v.11 no.2
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• pp.102-109
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• 2018

Background: A sians were known to have a relatively lower incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE), and there is insufficient evidence to suggest a specific D-dimer threshold level for screening VTE in patients with acute stroke. Methods: We prospectively enrolled patients with acute ischemic stroke admitted to Jeju National University Hospital. The inclusion criteria were: 1) aged ${\geq}18$ years, 2) admission within seven days of symptom onset, and 3) an initial National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score >1 for the affected lower limb. Ultrasound scans of the lower limbs and plasma D-dimer assays were performed on days 7-14 and 15-28 after stroke onset. Results: Of 285 patients admitted during the study period, 52 patients met inclusion criteria (mean age 74.5, male 40.4%, median initial NIHSS score 12, and unable to walk unassisted at discharge 76.9%). During 7-14 days, 23 of 52 patients (44.2%) had a D-dimer level above 1.57 mg/L, and 9.6% had a level above 5.50 mg/L. Proximal deep vein thrombosis (DVT) was detected in 3 patients (5.8%, 95% confidence Interval 1.2-16.0%) on ultrasound examination. All DVTs were found in elderly female patients with severe leg weakness. No patient was diagnosed with pulmonary embolism during the study period. Conclusion: The incidence of VTE seems to be very low among Korean patients with acute ischemic stroke. Advanced age, female sex, and severe leg weakness were important risk factors for developing DVT in this study.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.50 no.2
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• pp.89-94
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• 2011

Objective : D-dimer is a breakdown product of fibrin mesh after factor XIII stabilization. Previously, many authors have demonstrated a relationship between D-dimer level and stroke progression or type. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between D-dimer level and stroke volume. Methods : Between January 2008 and December 2009, we analyzed the D-dimer levels of 59 acute ischemic stroke patients in our neurosurgical department both upon admission and after seven days of initial treatment. Each patient's National Institute of Health Stroke Scale score, modified Rankin Scales score, Glasgow outcome score, and infarction volume were also evaluated. Results : Mean D-dimer level at admission was 626.6 ${\mu}g/L$ (range, 77-4,752 ${\mu}g/L$) and the mean level measured after seven days of treatment was 238.3 ${\mu}g/L$ (range, 50-924 ${\mu}g/L$). Mean D-dimer level at admission was 215.3 ${\mu}g/L$ in patients with focal infarctions, 385.7 ${\mu}g/L$ in patients with multiple embolic infarctions, 566.2 ${\mu}g/L$ in those with 1-19 cc infarctions, 668.8 ${\mu}g/L$ in 20-49 cc infarctions, 702.5 ${\mu}g/L$ in 50-199 cc infarctions, and 844.0 ${\mu}g/L$ in >200 cc infarctions (p=0.044). On the 7th day of treatment, the D-dimer levels had fallen to 201.0 ${\mu}g/L$, 293.2 ${\mu}g/L$, 272.0 ${\mu}g/L$, 232.8 ${\mu}g/L$, 336.6 ${\mu}g/L$, and 180.0 ${\mu}g/L$, respectively (p=0.530). Conclusion : Our study shows that D-dimer level has the positive correlation with infarction volume and can be use to predict infarction-volume.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.22 no.3
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• pp.393-396
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• 2001

Objectives: We were to assess the effectiveness of combined therapy of Oriental Medicine and Western Medicine on acute stroke. Methods: We selected acute middle cerebral artery territory infarction subjects, within 3 days after stroke onset, who had never have any type of stroke history before. The subjects, admitted to department of Oriental Medicine, received combination therapy of western medical treatment including thrombolytic, anticoagulant, or antiplatelet agents and oriental medical treatment including acupuncture and herbs medication. The other subjects, admitted to department of Neurology, received only modern western medical treatment. The National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was checked at admission, 1 week and 2 weeks later to assess neurologic improvement. The Modified Barthel Index (MBI) was checked 1 week and 2 weeks after admission to motor function recovery. Results: Comparing the NIHSS between baseline and 1 week later, the combination therapy group showed more improvement than the single-treated with anticoagulants group. However, there was no significant difference between the two groups, comparing 1 week and 2 weeks later with the NIHSS and the MBI. Conclusions: Combination therapy have more beneficial effect on acute stage of stroke.

• The Journal of Internal Korean Medicine
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• v.45 no.2
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• pp.246-258
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• 2024

This case report describes a patient diagnosed with central post-stroke pain (CPSP) and hemiparesis due to anterior cerebral artery and middle cerebral artery infarction. The patient was treated with Korean medicines, including moxibustion, acupuncture, electroacupuncture, herbal medicine, Western medicine, and rehabilitation therapy for 67 days. CPSP improved based on scores on the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) (from 8 to 0), paresthesia NRS (7 to 0), Manual Muscle Test (4/1 to 4+/4-),4+/4-), Korean version of the modified Barthel Index (24 to 73), National Institute of Health's Stroke Scale (7 to 0), Global Deterioration Scale (1 to 1), and Korean version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (27 to 29). No seizures, shocks, recurrent ischemic stroke, and liver dysfunction were recorded during the treatment. A moxibustion-induced burn healed within 7 days. This case suggests that moxibustion, combined with other treatments, has the potential to improve CPSP, without severe side effects.