Comparison of outcome of stroke patients--cerebral ischaemic versus cerebral haemorrhagic from the standpoint of a physiatrist.

Thirty patients having hemiplegia arising out of stroke were considered for the study. There were 15 patients each of cerebral infarction and cerebral haemorrhage. The patients were evaluated initially and 6-8 weeks after the first visit for neuromuscular function and activity of daily living following the schedule of Feldman et al and Barthel index respectively. After determining neuromuscular function the patients were graded as 'not impaired', 'mild to moderately impaired' and 'moderate to severely impaired' taking into account of muscular function, spasticity and disabling contracture. In determining activity of daily living the patients were divided into 'A' to 'E' categories depending on the score (0 to 100) they obtained on assessment. The patients were put to standard physiotherapeutic measures in addition to standard medical therapy. At the end of the study it was found that haemorrhagic stroke patients showed better improvement both in neuromuscular function and activity of daily living.