Bowel dysfunction in patients with brain damage resulting from stroke and traumatic brain injury: A retrospective study of a case series

Abstract

Bowel dysfunction is a common complaint among patients with brain damage due to stroke and traumatic brain injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the prevalence of bowel dysfunction (anal incontinence and intestinal constipation) in patients with brain damage due to stroke and traumatic brain injury admitted for rehabilitation. This is a retrospective case series study, based on the analysis of data from 138 charts of patients admitted in the first half of 2009. The prevalence of bowel dysfunction was 41%, with 33 (24%) cases of anal incontinence and 37 (27%) cases of intestinal constipation. Motor impairment, mobility aid, changes in memory and communication were associated with the presence of anal incontinence. The prevalence of bowel dysfunction is high in this population. Early identification of the symptoms and its related factors promoting bowel retraining, may help to improve the quality of life of patients with bowel dysfunction.