Is inpatient rehab better for stroke patients when this type of treatment is available? A new statement by the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association is suggesting that when a person suffers a stroke inpatient rehabilitation is the way to go if it is possible to use this form of treatment.
According to numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (“CDC”), 130,000 people die each year in the United States (“US”) due to strokes. This makes strokes one of the leading causes of deaths each year for Americans. The figures break down even further to show that 1 in every 20 deaths in the US will be stroke related.
Strokes can be broken down into two basic categories, ischemic and hemorrhagic. The easiest way to understand an ischemic stroke is a blood clot which prevents blood from flowing to the brain. For a hemorrhagic stroke there is usually a weakened blood vessel which ruptures.
The joint statement by the two organizations mentioned above outlined that “a sustained and coordinated effort” by a large team of medical professionals is needed for a stroke patient. With that said, the statement pointed out that the best place to get this type of coordinated effort is in an inpatient rehabilitation center.
Changes in hospital discharge standards have also been recommended. It is now suggested that patients who have suffered a stroke not be discharged from the hospital until they have completed a structured fall prevention program. Some of the things the fall program should focus on are home safety measures. For example, improving lighting in the home and removing slippery rugs. These simple fixes can go a long ways in helping a patient who is recovering from a stroke.
To read more about the statement and article in support of this post click HERE.
