Stroke Rehabilitation

A multi-disciplinary team approach

Stroke is the leading cause of disability in the United States. Recovery from stroke can be challenging because patients may experience problems with physical activities, thinking and communication.

The St.Vincent stroke team consists of physicians, registered nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, case managers, dieticians, chaplains, social workers and pharmacists. Together, they work to address each patient’s individual needs with a specific care plan that includes the St.Vincent holistic values of healing the body, mind and spirit.

Our registered neuroscience nurses are specially trained to care for stroke patients and supervise all care given to the patients throughout their course of treatment.

When should stroke rehabilitation begin?

At St.Vincent, stroke rehabilitation begins upon admission to the hospital.

Each year, more than 700,000 people in the United States will have a stroke, and about two-thirds of them will need some type of rehabilitation.

Stroke effects vary depending on what part of the brain is affected and the severity of the stroke. Some of the following problems may occur as a result of a stroke:

• Weakness or paralysis on one side of the body
• Loss of sensation, numbness or pain
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Loss of bowel and bladder control
• Complete or partial blindness
• Trouble swallowing (dysphasia)
• Speech difficulties or inability to speak (aphasia)
• Memory and thought difficulties
• Tiring easily Ignoring things on one side of the body (neglect or inattention)
• Depression

The severity of stroke complications and each person’s ability to recover and regain lost abilities and skills varies widely. However, stroke rehabilitation can usually help patients achieve the best long-term results.

How long does stroke rehabilitation last?

The complete answer may only come over time. While some stroke survivors recover quickly, most stroke patients require some form of long-term stroke rehabilitation. As needed, physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy will be included in a patient’s care plan. Families are encouraged to participate and to learn how to assist their loved ones throughout the rehabilitation process.

Our case managers will assist patients and families with post-hospital medical needs such as arranging for home-based care, inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation services and facilities, locating medical equipment and support and education groups.