Stroke and Neurological Disorders

Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery

Rehabilitation is given for a long period of time to improve function so that the stroke survivor can become as independent as possible. This must be accomplished in a way that preserves dignity and motivates the survivor to relearn basic skills that the stroke may have impaired - skills like bathing, eating, dressing and walking. Rehabilitation starts in the hospital as soon as possible following a stroke. The rehab team includes Physiatrist, Neurologist, Rehabilitation Nurse, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist and Speech-Language Pathologists. Recovery following a stroke starts as the brain responds to what’s happened. The brain’s functions will be adjusted to account for the death or decrease in the affected area. If a stroke victim receives medical attention within three hours of suffering the stroke they may be a candidate to receive medication to break up clots via an IV-drip. This clot-destroying medicine can significantly reduce negative long-term disabilities in the patient. The rehabilitation process begins after doctors have assessed and treated any critical conditions in the patient, and taken precautionary steps to prevent additional complications. This means rehabilitation could begin during the patient’s first hospital visit, which will increase the likelihood of recovering the damaged body and brain function. The first three months of recovery are when a patient will see the most development, and gains may happen rapidly over time. Some stroke survivors will continue to progress after this period; however, if the brain stem was affected during the stroke recovery could take up to a year or even longer.

• Ischemic stroke                                 
• Haemorrhage stroke
• Stroke prognosis                    
• Phobias
• Cerebral hypoperfusion                                 
• Intracranial hemorrhage         
• Non-invasive brain stimulation