Demographic and Clinical Characteristics of Ischemic Stroke Patients with Spasticity

Ischemic stroke remains a leading cause of long-term disability, with muscle spasticity emerging as a highly debilitating motor complication. This study aimed to analyze the demographic and clinical characteristics of ischemic stroke patients presenting with spasticity. A descriptive quantitative study with a cross-sectional approach was conducted, evaluating a single baseline cohort of 70 patients at dr. Zainoel Abidin General Hospital, Banda Aceh. Demographic and clinical profiles were gathered using a structured questionnaire, while spasticity severity was objectively assessed via the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results demonstrated that the respondents' ages ranged from 40 to 80 years, predominantly consisting of early elderly individuals (40.0%), females (52.9%), high school graduates (67.1%), married individuals (85.7%), and non-smokers (57.1%). Regarding clinical profiles, the post-stroke duration was mostly clustered in the late subacute phase (44.3%), predominantly following a first stroke attack (67.1%). Diabetes Mellitus emerged as the most prevalent vascular comorbidity (45.7%). All respondents (100.0%) manifested limb spasticity at baseline, with the highest concentration clustered at a moderate grade, specifically MAS score 2 (52.9%), followed by a mild-to-moderate grade, matching MAS score 1+ (47.1%). Ischemic stroke patients with spasticity within this regional setting are predominantly early elderly females comorbid with Diabetes Mellitus, with muscle stiffness largely characterized by a moderate degree. These baseline characteristics provide a critical clinical foundation for designing precise, early neurorehabilitation strategies.