Post-Stroke Rehabilitation in the Acute Phase

Post-stroke recovery involves two distinct yet interconnected aspects: rehabilitation, a structured intervention process led by healthcare professionals, and recovery, driven by neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganize and restore function. The recovery timeline is divided into hyperacute, acute, subacute, and chronic phases, with the early stages (acute and subacute) offering a critical window of heightened neuroplasticity for targeted interventions that maximize functional recovery. Prognostic tools like the PREP-2 and TWIST models, alongside baseline functional assessments, enable clinicians to predict recovery outcomes and tailor rehabilitation plans, particularly in resource-limited settings. Acute-phase rehabilitation focuses on early mobilization, task-specific training, and the prevention of complications, with neurologists stabilizing patients and physiatrists initiating functional recovery efforts through individualized therapy regimens. In low-resource settings, innovative strategies like task-shifting, telemedicine, and standardized care pathways bridge systemic gaps, enabling effective and accessible rehabilitation for stroke survivors.