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Rehabilitation After Stroke

Barrow Neurological Institute of St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center, Phoenix, Arizona

Rehabilitation after stroke is crucial because two thirds of patients suffer disability as a result of the stroke. The disability depends on the size and location of the stroke. For example, stroke in the left side of the brain tends to impair speech, comprehension of the spoken word, motor power and sensation on the right side of the body. Stroke in the right side of the brain tends to impair attention, visuospatial skills, and movement and sensation on the left side of the body.

Barrow Neurorehabilitation

Rehabilitation helps to restore bodily functions lost when the brain is damaged by stroke. In stroke, many brain cells do not die and can recover over a period time lasting from a few weeks to months. The maximum benefit and likelihood of recovery occurs when rehabilitation is provided as soon as possible after stroke.

Most improvement occurs during the first 3 to 6 months of rehabilitation after a stroke occurs, and most patients make continued but further more gradual improvement up to a year. Rehabilitation is a challenge for patients and their families, so it is important that both patients and family members work together with the rehabilitation team.

Barrow Inpatient and Outpatient Services

The Barrow Neurorehabilitation Program provides a full range of inpatient and outpatient services for persons affected by stroke and other neurological disorders. The Barrow rehabilitation team includes:

rehabilitation physicians
neuropsychologists
nurses
physical, occupational, speech and language, and recreational therapists

These professionals are committed to promoting the highest level of physical, emotional, social, and educational services for young people and adults with physical and cognitive disabilities.

How Does the Rehabilitation Team Assist Patients and Families?

The rehabilitation team develops an individualized course of treatment for each patient, based on the patient's needs, progress, and potential re-entry into the community.

Physical therapists help patients learn to regain the use of their arms and legs (depending on the extent of damage caused by the stroke). Speech therapists work with stroke patients who have difficulty communicating and swallowing. Occupational therapists help patients maintain their independence by teaching patients new ways to perform daily tasks. Neuropsychologists evaluate patients and provide treatment programs for those with cognitive and emotional problems associated with stroke.

At the center of this team effort are the patient and family. Support groups, educational services, and private counseling are available to the patient and all family members to help them deal with personal matters and other issues.

Learn more about Neurorehabilitative Services at Barrow.