Patients experiencing a stroke that involves a paretic or paralyzed lower extremity are at increased risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT). One study noted proximal deep vein thrombosis in more than a third of patients with moderately severe stroke. Reported rates of occurrence vary depending on the type of screening used. Prevention of DVT, through the use of prophylactic strategies, in at risk patients is a noted recommendation in numerous clinical practice guidelines. Non-pharmacologic approaches include early mobilization and use of intermittent pneumatic compression stockings. Pharmacologic approaches involve early anticoagulant therapy including the administration of subcutaneous unfractionated heparin, low molecular-weight (LMW) heparins and heparinoids if there are no contraindications. Aspirin alone is not recommended as an agent to prevent DVT.

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• American Academy of Neurology
• The Official Journal of the American Academy of Neurology
• National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

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• Gregory W. Albers, Pierre Amarenco, J. Donald Easton, Ralph L. Sacco, and Philip Teal Antithrombotic and Thrombolytic Therapy for Ischemic Stroke. Chest Vol. 119, 2001: 300-320
• Coull BM, Williams LS, Goldstein LB, et al. Anticoagulants and Antiplatelet Agents in Acute Ischemic Stroke. Report of the Joint Stroke Guideline Development Committee of the American Academy of Neurology and the American Stroke Association (a Division of the American Heart Association) Stroke. 2002;33:1934 -1942.
• Desmukh M., Bisignami M, Landau P, Orchard TJ. Deep vein thrombosis in rehabilitating stroke patients: incidence, risk factors and prophylaxis. American Journal Physical Medicine Rehabilitation. 1991; 70:313-316.

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