Stroke rehabilitation

Question 1

Physio management post-stroke

Answer 1

respiratory management (tracheostomy)
early mobilisation and promoting neurological recovery (neuroplasticity)
tone and spasticity management
assessment for further rehab potential and discharge planning
preventing negative complications

Question 2

OT role post-stroke

Answer 2

family liaison and education
vision + perception
functional assessments
cognitive screen
mood screen
assessment of care needs
assessment of equipment needs

Question 3

6 components of cognition

Answer 3

sensory
attention
perception
memory
praxis
executive

Question 4

Acute complications of stroke

Answer 4

aspiration pneumonia
shoulder subluxation
spasticity

Question 5

What is spasticity?

Answer 5

abnormal increase in muscle tone or stiffness of muscle which might interfere with movement, speech, or be associated with discomfort or pain

Question 6

Spasticity management

Answer 6

eliminating aggravating factors
antispasmodics/Botulinum toxin
analgesia
splinting and casting
positioning in bed and chair
passive stretches

Question 7

Considerations when assessing a patient’s rehab potential

Answer 7

medical stability
cognitive ability to engage and interact with therapy and able to retain information
motivation to engage in therapy programme

Question 8

What drugs can be used for neuropathic pain?

Answer 8

amitriptyline
pregabalin
gabapentin

Question 9

What pain can be present after a stroke?

Answer 9

neuropathic pain
pain from subluxations
OA pain - exacerbated due to extra burden on ‘healthy’ side of body

Question 10

What treatment options are there for spasticity?

Answer 10

physiotherapy - positioning, stretches
laxatives for constipation (discomfort can increase spasticity)
pain management
botox (paralyses muscle) - helps mobility but does not improve weakness
Baclofen - reduces tone