Post-stroke rehabilitation involves physicians; rehabilitation nurses; physical, occupational, recreational, speech-language, and vocational therapists; and mental-health professionals. Physicians have the primary responsibility for managing and coordinating the long-term care of stroke survivors, including recommending which rehabilitation programs will best address individual needs. They are also responsible for caring for the stroke survivor's general health and providing guidance aimed at preventing a second stroke. Neurologists usually lead acute-care stroke teams and direct patient care during hospitalization. They sometimes remain in charge of long-term rehabilitation. However, physicians trained in other specialties often assume responsibility after the acute stage has passed, including physiatrists, who specialize in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
Nurses specializing in rehabilitation help survivors in the first stages of relearning how to carry out the basic activities of daily living. They also educate survivors about routine healthcare, such as how to follow a medication schedule, how to care for the skin, how to manage transfers between a bed and a wheelchair, and special needs for people with diabetes. Rehabilitation nurses also work with survivors to reduce risk factors that may lead to a second stroke, and provide training for caregivers. They help stroke survivors manage personal care issues such as bathing and incontinence.
Much of the work of helping stroke patients to resume their lives falls to several types of therapists. This section has more information about:
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