Non-motor outcomes are highly prevalent after stroke, with no significant differences between hospital and population settings except for bowel dysfunction.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 357 prospective cohort studies (247,541 participants) found that adverse non-motor outcomes such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, and sleep disturbance are common after stroke. Pooled prevalence did not differ significantly between hospital-based and population-based studies, except for bowel dysfunction, which was higher in population-based studies (61% vs 47%). Use of non-validated outcome measures was associated with higher reported prevalence for several outcomes.
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Non-motor outcomes are highly prevalent after stroke, with no significant differences between hospital and population settings except for bowel dysfunction. The current body of evidence comprises 1 study and 1 meta-analysis. EvidenceHub rates the overall confidence at 47/100 (low).
The Claim
Non-motor outcomes are highly prevalent after stroke, with no significant differences between hospital and population settings except for bowel dysfunction.
This conclusion is most relevant to: Stroke survivors from 357 prospective cohort studies (mean age 64 years; 247 male-predominant studies; 55% ischemic stroke, 42% mixed, 3% intracerebral hemorrhage)..
What the Research Shows
The conclusion draws on 1 linked study. Highlights from the cited literature:
- ▸Non-motor Outcomes After Stroke: Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. (International journal of stroke : official journal of the International Stroke Society, 2026) —
How It Works
The proposed biological pathway:
- ▸Stroke leads to brain damage affecting non-motor pathways
- ▸Non-motor symptoms emerge post-stroke
- ▸Prevalence varies by measurement method and follow-up duration
- ▸Result: High prevalence of non-motor outcomes across settings
Who Might Benefit
Evidence fit by population:
- ▸Stroke survivors from 357 prospective cohort studies (mean age 64 years; 247 male-predominant studies; 55% ischemic stroke, 42% mixed, 3% intracerebral hemorrhage).
Recommended Dose
N/A
Limitations & Caveats
Important context when interpreting this evidence:
- ▸Substantial methodological heterogeneity across studies (I2 41%-99%)
- ▸Limited evidence on non-motor outcomes after intracerebral hemorrhage (only 3% of studies)
- ▸Frequent use of non-validated outcome measures (44.3% of studies)
- ▸Few studies assessed outcomes beyond 2 years post-stroke (12%)
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common non-motor outcomes after stroke?▼
The study examined 11 outcomes including anxiety, depression, apathy, fatigue, sleep disturbance, social participation, pain, bladder, bowel, and sexual dysfunction; all were highly prevalent.
Does the prevalence of non-motor outcomes differ between hospital and population settings?▼
No significant differences were found for most outcomes, except bowel dysfunction was more common in population-based studies (61% vs 47%).
How does the use of non-validated outcome measures affect reported prevalence?▼
Studies using non-validated measures reported significantly higher prevalence for anxiety, apathy, sleep disturbance, and bowel dysfunction.
What factors are associated with higher prevalence of non-motor outcomes?▼
Older age (>60 years), stroke due to intracerebral hemorrhage, and use of non-validated outcome measures were significantly associated with higher prevalence across multiple domains.
References
- 1.Ozkan H, Esmail T, Ambler G, Drummond A, Leff AP, Simister R, Werring D. “Non-motor Outcomes After Stroke: Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis..” International journal of stroke : official journal of the International Stroke Society, 2026. PMID: 42504592 DOI: 10.1177/17474930261475966