Stroke 3: life after stroke, assessment and rehabilitation

Despite advances in the diagnosis and treatment of acute stroke, rehabilitation is still a key part of stroke care, as most patients experience some level of functional deficit. Patients and families will need help with a range of cognitive, physical, psychological and emotional sequelae, sometimes for many years, and their needs will vary greatly. This article – the third in our five-part series on stroke – discusses stroke rehabilitation, covering current guidelines and tools, and emphasises the need for thorough assessment and reassessment. It is built around the autobiography of Robert McCrum, who gives a glimpse into the patient experience.