Post-stroke management

Abstract

Stroke incidence increases with age and becomes a significant public health burden. Depending on the area of the brain affected by a stroke, a wide range of symptoms may develop including weakness, deficits in language skills, cognition, sensation and vision. Symptoms can have a significant and immediate impact on a patient’s ability to conduct personal and extended activities of daily living. The recovery process can be affected later by an inability to drive, difficulties returning to work and impaired societal participation. Hidden stroke symptoms, such as low mood and fatigue, may not be apparent to healthcare professionals, but have a detrimental impact on a patient’s recovery and overall quality of life. This article offers an overview of stroke rehabilitation, secondary prevention of stroke, specialist investigations, complications from stroke and rehabilitation in the community.