Abstract: Objective To investigate the incidence of constipation after stroke and explore the relationship between post-stroke
constipation and brain injury. Methods Using a self-designed questionnaire, we collected the general information of 723
inpatients from 10 hospitals in Guangzhou, including the general demographic information, related factors of brain injury,
defecation and previous history. Results The total incidence of post-stroke constipation was 34.6% in these patients. The
incidence of constipation was 31.0% in ischemic stroke patients, 44.8% in hemorrhagic stroke patients, and 47.4% in patients
with cerebral hemorrhage and infarction, showing a significant difference between stroke types (χ2=12.369, P=0.002). In terms
of stages following stroke, the incidence was 41.6% in the acute phase, 31.5% in the recovery phase, and 22.6% in the sequelae
phase. In light of lesion locations, the incidence was significantly higher in patients with basal ganglia involvement than in
those without (P<0.001). Logistic multivariate analyses showed that stroke type, post-stroke stage, lesion number and basal
ganglia involvement were significantly associated with the incidence of constipation. Conclusion Constipation often occurs in
the acute stage following stroke (especially hemorrhagic stroke), and the incidence is higher in patients with basal ganglia
involvement.