Stroke emergency: evidence favours laying the patient on the paretic side.

OBJECTIVE: In the preclinical phase of stroke care there are still many uncertainties. One of them includes the decision on which side to lie an acute stroke victim until professional help arrives and the patient is transported to hospital.

METHODS AND RESULTS: This controlled study aimed at finding possible advantages of laying the patient on the paretic versus the non-paretic side in the acute phase. In 10 consecutive patients (five right-sided and five left-sided paresis) no differences were noted when comparing vital parameters including peripheral oxygen saturation, mean arterial blood pressure, breathing pattern, or ECG changes.

CONCLUSION: Patients should preferably be positioned on the paretic side to prevent aspiration, to have the unaffected arm free for movement and to avoid additional hemianopia or visual hemineglect to the paretic side possibly disrupting communication with the helpers.