Prevalence and Predictors of Upper Airway Obstruction in the First 24 Hours After Acute Stroke

Abstract

Upper airway obstruction is common in the first 24 hours after stroke, especially if patients are nursed in the supine position, and typical obstructive sleep apnea risk factors (body mass index and neck circumference) appear to be the best predictors of its occurrence. Stroke characteristics (severity, clinical subtype, and clinically assessed pharyngeal function) are not independently associated with upper airway obstruction after stroke.