StrokeSense : Diagnosis and Treatment

Rehabilitation

After initial emergency care, treatment for a stroke usually includes rehabilitative therapies. Some people may not need rehabilitation if the stroke is mild. Others who have had a serious stroke may require nursing care. The goal of rehabilitative therapy is to help people regain their independence. Many people recovering from a stroke need to relearn such activities as walking, talking, bathing, and dressing, as well as more complex tasks such as housekeeping, using the telephone, driving, and writing checks.

The following types of rehabilitation are the most common:

• Physical therapy. Training, exercises, and physical manipulation of the body restore a person's movement, balance, and coordination.
• Occupational therapy. Undergoing this therapy allows a person to relearn such basic activities as eating, drinking, swallowing, dressing, and going to the bathroom. Its goal is to make the person as independent as possible.
• Speech therapy. People can regain their speech and relearn language if no cognitive damage has occurred. With enough time and patience, many people recovering from a stroke regain some or all of their language and speaking skills.
• Psychotherapy. Counseling can help a person cope with depression, anxiety, frustration, anger, and self-pity—common feelings following a stroke.

References

1. Stroke: Hope Through Research, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, Sept. 16, 2002.
2. Rehabilitation, American Stroke Association, 2002.

Source of Material: RockHill Communications, 14 Rock Hill Road Bala, Cynwyd, PA 19004, (610) 667-2040,
Writer: Christine Norris
Editors: Erin Murphy, Andrea King, Joanne Poeggel, Ron Wozny
Clinical Reviewer: Patt Panzer, M.D.
Date Written: 4/30/01
Last Revised: 4/3/03