SOCIO-DEMOGRAPHIC AND CLINICAL CHARACTERISTICS OF HEMORRHAGIC STROKE PATIENTS ADMITTED TO MEDICINE WARD IN DHAKA MEDICAL COLLEGE HOSPITAL.

Background: Hemorrhagic stroke, involving bleeding within the brain or surrounding areas, presents a distinct profile of socio-demographic and clinical characteristics. Hemorrhagic strokes are more common in older adults. However, younger individuals with certain risk factors can also be affected. This study aimed to find out the socio-economic characteristics of hemorrhagic stroke patients. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted in the Medicine In-patients Department of Dhaka Medical College Hospital, Dhaka, Bangladesh, from October 2009 to March 2010. A total of 60 cases of hemorrhagic stroke were enrolled using a purposive sampling technique. Data analysis was performed using MS Office tools. Results: The mean age of participants was 50.33 ± 8.93 years, with a male-to-female ratio of 3:1. 13.3% were illiterate, 60% had a monthly family income of over 10,000 BDT. Family history of stroke was reported by 13.3%, 28.3% experienced symptoms during sleep, 20% during work, and 15% during excitement. 58.3% experienced a sudden onset of symptoms. Frequent comorbidities included hypertension (40.0%) and diabetes mellitus (30.0%). Headache was the most common symptom (66.7%). Neurological exams showed normal consciousness in 66.7%, with varying grades in the remainder. Normal speech was noted in 70.0%, normal muscle bulk in 91.7%, and hypertonic muscle tone in 80.0%. Among hemorrhagic stroke patients, 51.7% had right-sided intracerebral hemorrhage on CT. Conclusion: Older adults are particularly susceptible to hemorrhagic stroke. Most patients experience a sudden onset of symptoms, with headaches being the most common. Typically, patients retain normal consciousness, speech, muscle tone, and muscle bulk in the majority of cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]