GASTROENTEROLOGY ARTICLE OF THE WEEK
October 19, 2006
Schaller BJ, Graf R, Jacobs AH. Pathophysiological changes of the gastrointestinal tract in ischemic stroke. Am J Gastroenterol 2006;101:1655-1665
True or False
1. Stroke is often associated with delayed gastric emptying.
2. Dysphagia occurring after ischemic strokes is often temporary, particularly after unilateral strokes.
3. Swallowing problems are particularly common after brainstem stroke.
4. Diarrhea is a common consequence of altered colonic motility after stroke
5. Gastrostomy tubes decreased risk of aspiration compared to nasogastric tubes in patients with post-stroke dysphagia
6. Ischemic damage of the brainstem results in lower pressures of the UES and LES
7. The incidence of upper GI bleed is increased in patients with strokes, leading to increased morbidity and mortality