Introduction
Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the leading cause of long-term disability in the U.S. There are approximately 4 million Americans living with the effects of stroke. In addition, there are millions of husbands, wives, children and friends who care for stroke survivors and whose own lives are personally affected.
According to the National Stroke Association:
Successful rehabilitation depends on:
The goal of rehabilitation is to enable an individual who has experienced a stroke to reach the highest possible level of independence and be as productive as possible. Because stroke survivors often have complex rehabilitation needs, progress and recovery are unique for each person. Although a majority of functional abilities may be restored soon after a stroke, recovery is an ongoing process.
Effects of a Stroke
Types of Rehabilitation Programs
Rehabilitation Specialists
Preventing Another Stroke
Although some risk factors for stroke cannot be changed (e.g. age) others such as high blood pressure and smoking can be altered. Patients and families should seek guidance from their physician about lifestyle changes to help prevent another stroke.
Resources
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality
AHRQ Publications Clearinghouse
PO Box 8547
Silver Spring, MD 20907
1-800-358-9295
Web address: http://www.ahrq.gov/
AHRQ's free booklet, entitled "Recovering After a Stroke," is designed to help stroke survivors and their families get the
most out of post-stroke rehabilitation. It provides information about the possible effects of stroke as well as types of rehabilitation
programs and how to get the most out of the program you choose. It includes resources for help and information.
(Available in English and Spanish)
AHA Stroke Connection
1-800-553-6321
Web address: http://www.americanheart.org
A service coordinated by the American Heart Association. Provides information regarding stroke, how it affects the lives of
stroke survivors and their families, how to find a support group and how to subscribe to the Stroke Connection Magazine.
Community Resources
Eldercare Locator
National Association of Area Agencies on Aging
927 15th Street NW, 6th Floor
Washington, D.C. 20005
1-800-677-1116
Web address: http://www.eldercare.gov
National Aphasia Association
29 John Street, Suite 1103
New York, NY 10038
212-267-2814
Web address: http://www.aphasia.org
Provides an educational packet of information about coping with aphasia which includes a listing of support groups.
National Easter Seal Society
230 West Monroe St., Suite 1800
Chicago, IL 60606-4802
1-800-221-6827
Web address: http://www.easter-seals.org
Easter Seals offers high quality programs for children, vocational training and employment, and medical rehabilitation services
to children and adults with disabilities.
National Family Caregivers Association
10400 Connecticut Ave. Suite 500
Kensington, MD 20895-3944
1-800-896-3650
Web address: http://www.nfcacares.org
Maintains an information clearinghouse for family caregivers; directs people to appropriate resources.
National Rehabilitation Information Center
4200 Forbes Boulevard, Suite 202
Lanham, MD 20706-4829
1-800-346-2742
Email: naricinfo@heitechservices.com
Web address: http://www.naric.com
Provides information about rehabilitation facilities, support groups, and disability organizations. Can conduct specialized
literature searches.
National Stroke Association
9707 East Easter Lane
Englewood, CO 80112-3747
1-800-STROKES
Web address: http://www.stroke.org
Provides educational materials on all aspects of stroke, including stroke screenings. Offers programs and support activities
for stroke survivors and their caregivers.
Back to Stroke Information Page.
NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.
Last updated June 22, 2007