Introduction to Stroke Rehabilitation

Aftermath of Stroke

The clinical symptoms which follow a stroke are determined by the location of the clot, the function of that particular region, and the extent of damage to brain tissue. Regardless of the etiology of the stroke, hemorrhagic or ischemic, the side of the body opposite the location of the stroke is the side whose function is affected so that a stroke in the left hemisphere of the brain will affect the right side of the body and vise versa. The level of disability following the stroke ranges from mild to severe and, similarly, the impact on daily living activities can be minimal to significant.

The period immediately following a stroke is a critical one since stroke progression or recurrence is the cause of death for 90% of patients who die within the first week after a stroke. Prevention of stroke recurrence begins very soon after stroke onset since early stroke recurrence is estimated to occur in up to 8% of patients. Stroke recurrence is also estimated to be the cause of death in approximately 25% of survivors who die within the first several years after a stroke.

Comprehensive rehabilitation may improve the functional abilities of the stroke survivor, regardless of age and neurologic deficit, and decrease long-term patient care costs. Approximately 80% of stroke victims may benefit from inpatient or outpatient stroke rehabilitation. Ten percent of stroke survivors achieve complete spontaneous recovery within 8 to 12 weeks, and 10% of patients receive no benefit from any treatment. Sixteen percent of stroke survivors are institutionalized, making stroke the leading cause for admission to nursing homes or extended care facilities.