Recrudescence of stroke symptoms refers to when a person experiences previously resolved symptoms of a stroke. These symptoms are usually mild and resolve within a few days.
The condition is also sometimes referred to as ischemic stroke recrudescence.
This article discusses recrudescence of stroke symptoms, how long it tends to last, what can cause or trigger this condition, as well as potential treatments and the outlook for people that experience it.
In simple terms, ischemic stroke recrudescence, or anamnestic syndrome, occurs when someone redevelops symptoms they experienced after having a stroke they had previously recovered from. This
In most cases, people tend to experience a mild, rather than severe, worsening or return of symptoms.
Experts know very little about stroke recrudescence, and it has yet to be well-characterized. However, experts believe the condition to be fairly rare or uncommon.
Doctors and researchers still know little about ischemic stroke recrudescence or anamnestic syndrome.
However, a
In general, most people that experience ischemic stroke recrudescence tend to develop symptoms they experienced after a stroke or symptoms commonly associated with having a stroke.
- numbness or weakness in the arm, leg, or face, especially affecting one side of the body
- difficulty seeing in both eyes or one eye
- confusion, issues understanding speech, or difficulty speaking
- dizziness, loss of balance, coordination issues, or difficulty walking
- drooping of the face
- a severe headache with no clear cause or a headache that feels different from a usual headache or migraine
Learn more about stroke symptoms.
Researchers are still exploring how strokes may cause different symptoms in people assigned male or female at birth. However, based on current knowledge, people assigned female at birth may also experience:
- general weakness throughout the body
- memory issues and disorientation
- unexplained nausea, vomiting, or fatigue
A person requires emergency medical assistance if they experience signs or symptoms associated with a stroke, regardless of whether they have previously experienced a stroke or not.
While much remains unknown about ischemic stroke recrudescence, some factors seem to increase a person’s risk of developing it.
Recognized triggers of ischemic stroke recrudescence
- infections
- stress
- conditions that cause metabolic dysregulation, such as diabetes
- insomnia or lack of proper sleep
- hypertension (high blood pressure)
- low sodium levels (hyponatremia)
- vascular diseases, especially peripheral vascular disease
- high cholesterol or high triglyceride levels
- use of sedating medications, such as benzodiazepines, and anesthetic drugs, such as midazolam hydrochloride and fentanyl citrate
- use of hypertension and antiplatelet medications
There is no specific treatment for people with ischemic stroke recrudescence.
If symptoms are severe, a doctor may implement treatments commonly recommended for people experiencing or recovering from a stroke.
Based on current research, ischemic stroke recrudescence is rare and tends to reverse on its own. Most people recover or return to their poststroke recovery levels roughly a day or two after the symptoms redevelop.
However, there are a few documented cases where stroke symptoms did linger for longer periods before resolving. This was often in people with preexisting or additional neurological damage or impairments.
Experts consider ischemic stroke recrudescence or anamnestic syndrome as a rare condition. It occurs when someone redevelops symptoms of a stroke that they previously recovered from.
Based on current research, most people who experience ischemic stroke recrudescence tend to develop it roughly 4 years after experiencing an initial stroke. These redeveloped symptoms are often mild and tend to resolve after a day or two.
Anytime someone experiences signs or symptoms associated with a stroke, whether they have previously experienced a stroke or not, they should dial 911 or be taken to an emergency department.