Modern aspects of organization of rehabilitation in stroke patients

Abstract

Stroke is the most widely spread reason of disability. In Russian Federation the number of disabled people is higher than in Europe, that is partly due to the underdeveloped rehabilitation system. The present article discusses the medical, physical, psychological, social, professional and pedagogical issues of rehabilitation in stroke patients. The main causes of stroke in young subjects are reviewed, and the main aspects of rehabilitation in patients with movement, speech and cognitive post-stroke dysfunction are presented. The early rehabilitation is of great importance for the recovery, and should be aimed at the prevention of post-stroke complications (pneumonia, venous thrombosis etc.). It is worth noting that post-stroke cognitive impairment is associated with worse outcome and higher death rate, that is extremely important as dementia rate in patients after stroke can reach 26 %. The role of medical supply and, in particular, nicergoline (a drug with both vasoactive and neurometabolic properties) effects are discussed. Complex rehabilitation procedures lead to the cognitive improvement (proved by neuropsychological exams) and to the decrease in post-stroke movement disorder.