This study aimed to estimate cost of in-patient medical care due to stroke in a tertiary hospital in Malaysia. A retrospective analysis of stroke patients admitted to Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Medical Centre (UKMMC) between January 2005 and December 2008 were conducted. Cost evaluation was undertaken from the health provider’s perspective using a top-down costing approach. Mean length of stay (LOS) was 6.4 ± 3.1 days and mean cost of care per patient per admission was MYR 3,696.40 ± 1,842.17 or 16% of per capita GDP of the country. Human resources made up the highest cost component (MYR 1,343.90, SD: 669.8 or 36% of the total cost), followed by medications (MYR 867.30, SD:432.40) and laboratory services (MYR 337.90, SD:168.40). LOS and cost of care varied across different stroke severity levels (p<0.01). A regression analysis shown significant influence of stroke severity on cost of care, with the most severe stroke consumed MYR 1,598.10 higher cost than the mild stroke (p<0.001). Cost of medical care during hospital admission due to stroke is substantial. Health promotion and primary prevention activities need to take priority to minimise stroke admission in future.

Introduction: Migraine is the most common headache affecting young people that impairs their functional ability. This study aimed to determine the frequency of migraines among Malaysian medical students, the association between migraines, stress level, and functional disability among these students, and describe their self-management practices. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among medical students in a private medical school in Penang state. All medical students in the study site were screened for the presence of headache symptoms and the diagnosis of migraine using a self-administered questionnaire comprising International Headache Society (IHS) diagnostic criteria. Other domains that were assessed were perceived stress level and functional disability, which were measured using the Perceived Stress Scale and the Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6), respectively. The students’ self-management practices for their headaches were determined using a descriptive survey. Results: A total of 374 medical students participated in this study and 157 (42%) students reported experiencing headaches. More than half (n=97, 61.8%) of those with headaches fulfilled the IHS criteria for migraines. Migraines were significantly associated with functional disability compared with non-migraine headaches (p<0.001); however, no significant difference in stress levels were reported between the two groups. During migraine attacks, sleep (n=73, 60.33%) and self-medication (n=56, 69.14%) were the most common self-management practices. Only 11.46% of the 157 students with headaches consulted a doctor. Conclusion A high proportion of medical students suffered from headaches and more than half of them had migraines. Migraine headaches were associated with significant functional disability. Very few students sought medical consultation and most students chose to self-manage their headaches.
Migraine Disorders ; Students ; Stress Disorders, Traumatic, Acute ; Headache

A 78-year-old post-stroke man with multiple comorbidities who was activity of daily living-dependent developed aspiration pneumonia associated with nasogastric tube (NGT) blockage. He presented with malnutrition and risk of sarcopenia with hypoalbuminaemia, small calf circumference (CC), low body mass index and small mid upper arm circumference. He showed symptoms of moderate-to-severe vascular dementia with behavioural psychological stress disorder, resulting in carer stress. Psychoeducation among the carers and referral to a neuro-psychiatrist were ensued after outpatient-based team meeting discussion. Herein, we highlight the importance of screening for sarcopenia and nutritional status in post-stroke patients with the use of the CC and serum albumin level as well as the involvement of a multidisciplinary team in the primary care setting to improve patient outcomes. Percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tubes are more suitable than NGTs for post-stroke patients who require enteral feeding to improve the nutritional status.
Stroke ; Sarcopenia ; Enteral Nutrition