April 17, 2025
Understanding Stroke and Its Long-Term Impact
Stroke is the third most common cause of disability and the second most common cause of mortality worldwide. The global 30-day fatality rate following an initial ischemic stroke is estimated at 16–23%.
A U.S. study of 220 ischemic stroke survivors revealed a range of neurologic deficits at six months post-stroke, including:
- Hemiparesis (50%)
- Cognitive defects (46%)
- Hemianopia (20%)
- Aphasia (19%)
- Sensory deficits (15%)
Additionally, survivors experienced long-term disabilities such as:
- Depression (35%)
- Inability to walk without assistance (31%)
- Institutionalization (26%)
- Bladder incontinence (22%)
What is a Stroke?
A stroke, also known as a cerebrovascular accident (CVA), occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from receiving oxygen and nutrients. As a result, brain cells begin to die within minutes.
Types of Strokes
- Ischemic Stroke
The most common type, accounting for approximately 87% of all strokes. It occurs when a blood clot blocks or narrows an artery leading to the brain.
- Hemorrhagic Stroke
Occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, leading to bleeding in or around the brain.
Common Late Effects of CVA
- Physical: Hemiplegia, hemiparesis, dysphagia, ataxia
- Cognitive: Memory loss, attention deficits, executive function impairments
- Speech and Language: Aphasia, dysarthria
- Sensory: Visual field loss, neglect (lack of awareness of one side of the body)
- Emotional and Behavioral: Depression, anxiety, personality changes
- Other: Bladder and bowel control issues, fatigue
Recrudescence of Stroke Symptoms
Recrudescence refers to the reappearance of previously resolved neurological deficits from a prior stroke. These symptoms are typically mild, short-lived, and not due to a new stroke.
Key considerations:
- Recrudescence is coded as a “late effect of stroke.”
- Follows the same coding and sequencing guidance as the principal diagnosis (PDX).
- Can be reported alongside a new acute infarction, if applicable.
- Clarity in documentation is essential to accurately capture the etiology of stroke-related symptoms—query the provider if necessary.
Query Example for Clarification
Dear Dr. Carlson,
Patient with PMH of CVA. Per H&P, admitted with “dysphagia.” Other diagnoses include severe malnutrition, with plans for a PEG tube.
Can this patient’s dysphagia be specified as the most likely cause? For example:
- Dysphagia is recrudescence of previous stroke
- Dysphagia related to other (please specify) ___
- Unknown/undetermined
Other clinical indicators/treatment from the patient’s record:
- H&P notes: “dysphagia, severe malnutrition, and failure to thrive. ST/PT/OT to see. Family thinks dysphagia has been going on for a while.”
- Treatment: RD consult, PEG tube placement, PT/OT/ST
Why It Matters:
A favorable query response could shift the DRG from
DRG 392 (Esoph, gastro, and misc digestive disorders w/o MCC) with the PDX of
dysphagia, to
DRG 057 (Degenerative nervous system disorders w/o MCC) with the PDX of
weakness/dysarthria as a late effect of CVA.













