Stroke recovery: The goal of rehabilitation

Recovering from a stroke depends on many things:

the type and location of the brain injury
your general health
your personality
your emotional status
the support of family and friends
the care you receive

Because stroke survivors have many needs, recovery is different for each person. The recovery process usually includes medical treatment, natural recovery, rehabilitation and the return to routine daily activities.

You may have limits as a result of your stroke. Your goal in rehabilitation is to be as independent and productive as you can. You will learn new skills, improve your physical condition and learn how to do tasks in different ways.

Rehabilitation usually begins in the hospital. Some patients may continue rehabilitation in a hospital. Other patients may be discharged with outpatient rehabilitation services.

You, your family and the hospital staff will make rehabilitation decisions before you leave the hospital.