Changes in autonomic tone during delirium in acute stroke patients assessed by pupillometry and skin conductance

Delirium is a common complication in acute ischemic stroke, possibly caused by alterations in the regulation of the sympathetic autonomic nervous system. We investigated whether such an association could be demonstrated with two easy-to-use measurement techniques: Measurement of palmar skin conductance level (SCL) and pupillometry measuring the dilation velocity in the pupillary light reflex (PLRdil.vel.).The cohort study included 64 patients admitted with acute ischemic stroke. During the study period (median 4.1  days, interquartile range 2.1 days) patients were assessed for delirium once daily as well as with measurements of SCL and PLRdil.vel up to twice daily.
Source: Journal of the Neurological Sciences - Category: Neurology Authors: Source Type: research