Pyrexia management

In the initial period after a stroke, temperature higher than 37·5°C, known as pyrexia, occurs in 20–50% of patients.

Pyrexia is associated with poorer outcomes after stroke, and the most common causes of pyrexia are chest or urinary infections.

Fever in stroke patients needs to be managed proactively by the interdisciplinary team, ideally as part of a bundled care package where it has been demonstrated to reduce mortality and morbidity.

For current research and evidence-based recommendations see our Clinical Guidelines.