Cerebral haemodynamics with head position changes post-ischemic stroke: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Abstract

The effects of upright postures on the cerebral circulation early post-ischemic stroke are not fully understood. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the effects of head positioning on cerebral haemodynamics assessed by imaging methods post-ischemic stroke. Of the 21 studies included (n = 529), 15 used transcranial Doppler. Others used near-infrared, diffuse correlation spectroscopy and nuclear medicine modalities. Most tested head positions between 0° and 45°. Seventeen studies reported changes in CBF parameters (increase at lying-flat or decrease at more upright) in the ischaemic hemisphere with position change. However, great variability was found and risk of ..