Infective Endocarditis

Infective Endocarditis (IE) is a serious infection of the heart’s inner lining or valves, typically caused by bacteria entering the bloodstream. While it primarily affects cardiac function, IE can also lead to neurological complications, including stroke, brain abscess, cognitive impairment, and long-term disability.

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we support adults recovering from neurological injuries caused by infective endocarditis. Our multidisciplinary team provides rehabilitation tailored to the complex needs that follow infection-related strokes or embolic events.

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What Is Infective Endocarditis?

Infective endocarditis occurs when bacteria or other pathogens attach to damaged areas of the heart, most commonly the heart valves. Over time, this infection can lead to:

• Valve destruction
• Septic emboli (infected clots)
• Systemic inflammation
• Circulatory complications

If these infected fragments travel to the brain or spinal cord, they can block blood vessels or seed infection in neural tissue — resulting in a stroke or abscess.

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Neurological Risks of Endocarditis

Infective endocarditis is one of the leading causes of stroke in younger adults without traditional risk factors. Neurological complications can include:

• Ischaemic stroke (from embolism)
• Intracerebral haemorrhage
• Brain abscess or encephalitis
• Seizures
• Cognitive impairment or confusion
• Motor weakness or paralysis
• Fatigue and psychological effects

See our Stroke Rehabilitation Services

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Common Symptoms Following a Neurological Event

Patients recovering from endocarditis-related stroke or brain injury may experience:

• Weakness on one side of the body
• Slurred speech or communication difficulties
• Memory loss or slow processing
• Difficulty walking or maintaining balance
• Mood changes or post-infectious depression
• Severe or persistent fatigue

Even after successful infection control, many patients require longer-term neurological rehabilitation to regain function and independence.

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How We Can Help

At The Royal Buckinghamshire Hospital, we support adults with:

• Stroke or brain injury rehabilitation following endocarditis
• Neuropsychological support for cognitive or emotional challenges
• Fatigue and pain management
• Mobility, balance, and independence training

Our consultant-led rehabilitation programmes are delivered by a specialist team including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, and neuropsychologists.

We treat each patient individually, creating personalised plans to meet their physical, cognitive, and emotional goals.

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Our Rehabilitation Services Include:

• Neurological physiotherapy
• Occupational therapy for daily function
• Cognitive rehabilitation
• Speech and language support
• Emotional and psychological care
• Post-infectious fatigue management
• Discharge planning and return-to-life support

Whether you’re recovering from a recent stroke or still living with long-term effects of earlier episodes, we can help improve your outcomes and quality of life.