Anosognosia post stroke: perception of the patient and family

Abstract

Introduction. Anosognosia is the change in the perception of the existence of difficulties. Objective. To assess anosognosia after stroke in the acute and subacute phases (up to six months after the injury). Method. The sample consisted of patients seen in a Hospital or in Primary Health Care, and their relatives. It was a quantitative, cross-sectional study, data collection took place from August to November 2020. The Sociodemographic Data and The Patient Competency Rating Scale (PCRS) questionnaires, both in two versions, were applied to patients and family members. Results. The sample had 10 patients and family members, the patients had na average age of 55.4±15. In observing the discrepancy in the PCRS score between patients and family members, two (20%) of the patients do not have anosognosia, and three (30%) have little discrepancy, it was considered that they do not have anosognosia. Now, five (50%) of the patients had discrepancies in the PCRS with their relatives and it was considered that they have anosognosia, of these three (30%) believe they have more ease, and two (20%) believe they have more difficulty. We do not state statistically, we suggest that discrepant scores greater than three suggest anosognosia. Conclusion. Among patients, 50% have alterations in self-perceived health, tending to a positive perception, we do not state statistically because there is no score in the PCRS. The 50% of patients who do not have anosognosia are more likely to adhere to rehabilitation. Patients who see themselves more easily may not adhere to rehabilitation. Studies with inclusion criteria are suggested, the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), ensuring conscious responses.