What is the goal of rehabilitation during the acute phase of a stroke?

Written by Tang Ying
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
Updated on September 26, 2024
00:00
00:00

Rehabilitation goals during the acute phase of stroke. In the acute phase, we usually can intervene with rehabilitation treatment 48 hours after the patient’s vital signs have stabilized. The main goals of rehabilitation during the acute phase are to prevent complications such as pressure ulcers, atelectasis pneumonia, urinary tract infections, deep vein thrombosis, and muscle atrophy. Additionally, it aims to improve impaired neurological functions such as sensory, motor, and speech therapies, and to enhance the patient’s ability for self-care and mobility.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Chao Jin Zi
Neurorehabilitation
1min 17sec home-news-image

Basic Principles of Stroke Rehabilitation Treatment

There are several key principles for stroke rehabilitation. The first emphasizes that rehabilitation should start as early as possible. In cases of ischemic stroke, generally when the patient is conscious and vital signs are stable, rehabilitation can begin after 48 hours. For patients with high blood pressure or cerebral hemorrhage, it is generally recommended to start rehabilitation after seven days. The second principle emphasizes the active participation of the patient, encouraging patients to actively engage in rehabilitation training and communicate with therapists to achieve functional improvement. The third point emphasizes comprehensive rehabilitation; stroke patients often have issues in multiple areas such as language, cognition, swallowing, limb movement, and functional balance, so it is suggested that patients undergo comprehensive rehabilitation rather than focusing on just one aspect. The fourth point stresses the continuity of rehabilitation, as rehabilitation therapy is an ongoing process.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhao Zi Pan
Neurology
30sec home-news-image

Can a stroke be cured?

Stroke can result in sequelae such as deviation of the mouth, slurred speech, hemiplegia, numbness of extremities, coughing when drinking water, hoarseness, and difficulty swallowing. If the stroke affects a smaller area or is not located in a critical area, recovery tends to be better. However, if the infarct is large or occurs in a critical area like the brainstem, sequelae may persist, with partial function recovery possible within about three to six months.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Yan Hao
Neurology
55sec home-news-image

The difference between stroke and cerebral infarction

The difference between stroke and cerebral infarction lies in the scope of stroke, which is broader and includes cerebral infarction. Stroke is divided into hemorrhagic stroke and ischemic stroke. Common types of hemorrhagic stroke include cerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Common types of ischemic stroke include cerebral infarction and cerebral thrombosis. Thus, the scope of stroke is relatively large and includes cerebral infarction. Cerebral infarction occurs when a blockage in the cerebral blood vessels leads to ischemia, edema, and necrosis of the brain tissue in the supplied area, resulting in symptoms of stroke. Additionally, cerebral embolism occurs when an embolus from another part of the body detaches and blocks a brain artery, causing ischemia and necrosis of the brain tissue in the supplied area, also leading to stroke.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Tang Ying
Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
1min home-news-image

Rehabilitation Treatment Plan for Stroke

The rehabilitation treatment plan for stroke involves rehabilitation physicians and therapists who, through comprehensive assessment of the patient's overall medical condition and functional impairments, develop individualized plans. These plans focus primarily on the patient's functional impairments, and accordingly, design treatments for movement, speech, swallowing, and attention to promote the patient's overall rehabilitation and improve their ability to perform daily activities independently. Common rehabilitation treatment options include not only medication but also occupational therapy, speech therapy, physical therapy, psychological support, and traditional rehabilitation methods. Through these personalized and comprehensive rehabilitation treatments, the aim is to facilitate the patient's early recovery, allowing them to return to their family and work environment sooner.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
48sec home-news-image

Manifestations of Stroke

First, if the patient has a large-area ischemic stroke, or if there is a significant amount of cerebral hemorrhage, consciousness disorders will occur rapidly, and the patient may even fall into a coma. Second, in the case of general strokes, patients will experience reduced mobility in their limbs, primarily manifesting as unilateral limb paralysis, with symptoms varying from mild to severe. Patients with milder symptoms show clumsiness in fine movements, while more severe cases may require bed rest. Third, a common clinical symptom is numbness in one side of the body. Fourth, patients with a stroke generally also suffer from symptoms such as deviation of the corners of the mouth, shallowing of the nasolabial folds, drooling, and unclear speech.