Stroke Surgery

Rehabilitation

Most people who survive a stroke will have some type of disability. But many people are able to make significant improvements through rehabilitation. According to the National Stroke Association:

10% of stroke survivors recover almost completely

25% recover with minor impairments

40% experience moderate-to-severe impairments that require special care

10% require care in a nursing home or other long-term facility

For the best chance of improvement and regaining abilities, it is important that rehabilitation starts as soon as possible after a stroke. Rehabilitation therapy is started in the hospital as soon as a patient’s condition has stabilized. Initial range of motion exercises involve a nurse or physical therapist moving a patient’s affected limb (passive exercise) and having the patient practice moving the limb (active exercise). Patients are encouraged to gradually sit, stand, and walk and then to perform tasks of daily living (bathing, dressing, using the toilet).

Some patients will experience the fastest recovery and regain functional abilities in the first few days, while others will continue to show improvement during the first 6 months or longer. Recovery is an ongoing process and with good rehabilitation providers and family support, patients can continue to make progress.

Rehabilitation Services

Once a patient has been discharged from the hospital, rehabilitation continues at home or in an outpatient program. Some patients may be transferred to a rehabilitation hospital before going home. Others may require care in a long-term or skilled nursing facility. In addition to the ongoing care of a primary care physician or neurologist, a rehabilitation team may include:

Physical therapists who focus on restoring physical function and helping patients improve strength, balance, and coordination

Occupational therapists to help patients regain ability to perform activities of daily living

Speech-language therapists to help improve language skills

Psychologists to help with the patient’s mental and emotional state

Social workers to help patients and families with financial arrangements and coordinating home services