Chapters authored
Post-Stroke Rehabilitation: A Necessary Step
A stroke is defined by the abrupt and sudden onset of neurological signs and symptoms that occur due to a disorder in cerebral blood circulation. Cerebrovascular diseases are a well-known cause of morbidity and mortality, being the second cause of mortality and disability throughout the world. Stroke treatment has improved substantially in recent years with the implementation of stroke units and revascularization therapies. The role of rehabilitation is to help improve deficits to regain functionality and to define the needs and care in patients with permanent disabilities. Stroke rehabilitation must start early and intensively and it must be carried out by a multidisciplinary team made up of neurologists, rehabilitation doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, neuropsychologists, neurophysiologists, and social workers. Patients and families should be actively involved with this team, if possible, from the beginning and throughout the rehabilitation process. Functional recovery through comprehensive rehabilitation allows patients to remain in their usual environment, perform their work duties and carry out activities of daily life by themselves, reducing the need for institutionalization in long-term care facilities.
Part of the book: Post-Stroke Rehabilitation