Immobility is a risk factor for the formation of blood clots. Common causes of immobility that increase the risk of DVT include recent immobility due to illness, a plaster cast, a leg splint, and acute paralysis, for example after a stroke.
Figure: patients who have suffered an acute stroke are at high risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and
pulmonary embolism (PE), which are the major causes of mortality and morbidity in these
patients. Patients who have suffered a stroke have reduced mobility and remain at high risk for VTE for at least
1 month following the event.
