Randomised controlled study of the effect of low flow oxygen on capillary blood gases after acute stroke

INTERVENTION: Interventions added as of 18/07/2007: Patients will be randomised into control and intervention groups by randomly picking up envelopes with predetermined entry to either group. Controls receive routine care without oxygen and the intervention group will receive 2 litres of oxygen per minute via nasal cannula over 24 hours. Pulse oximetry and arterial blood gases will be done on air as baseline. Oxygen will be given to the intervention group continually for the minimum of 24 hours via nasal cannula. Blood gases will be rechecked at the end of the 24‐hour period. Pulse oximetry measurements will be recorded throughout the 24‐hour period. CONDITION: Cardiovascular: Stroke ; Circulatory System ; Stroke PRIMARY OUTCOME: Main outcome measures: ; 1. Changes in pH at the end of experiment; 2. Changes in pCO2 at the end of experiment; 3. Changes in respiratory rate at the end of experiment; ; Other relevant outcome measures: ; 1. Change in blood pressure ; 2. Change in pulse oximetry SECONDARY OUTCOME: Added 18/07/2007: ; No secondary outcome measures INCLUSION CRITERIA: Added 18/07/2007: Patients who are admitted within 24 hours of a presumed vascular stroke (either ischaemic or haemorrhagic) resulting in hospitalisation with significant motor disability (right /left hemiparesis) defined as power 3 out of 5 or less in at least one limb.