Hemiplegic Shoulder Pain; Frequency and Related Factors

Objective: To investigate the frequency of shoulder pain and related factors in hemiplegic patients.Methods: Thirtyeight patients having a stroke in past 18 months were included in the study. Demographic features, factors related to stroke, shoulder subluxation, shoulder pain and time passed until the beginning of shoulder pain were recorded.Results: The frequency of shoulder pain was 50%. In most of the patients ( 84%), shoulder pain occurred in first 8 weeks. Thromboembolic stroke, complete plegia at the beginning, low Brunnstrom motor recovery stage and shoulder subluxation were more prominent in patients with shoulder pain.Conclusions: Complete plegia at the begining and shoulder subluxation seem to be related factors in hemiplegic shoulder pain. In stroke patients, all preventive measures and early rehabilitation should be started.