Stroke Rehabilitation & Recovery Flashcards

Which standardized tool is most commonly used to assess functional independence in stroke rehabilitation?

Answer: Barthel Index

The Barthel Index measures functional independence in activities of daily living and is widely used in stroke rehabilitation settings.

A stroke survivor has left-sided hemispatial neglect. Which rehabilitation strategy is most evidence-based for this condition?

Answer: Prism adaptation therapy

Prism adaptation therapy uses wedge prisms to shift visual field and has strong evidence for improving hemispatial neglect.

Post-stroke spasticity is best characterized as:

Answer: Velocity-dependent increase in tonic stretch reflexes

Spasticity is defined as a velocity-dependent increase in tonic stretch reflexes resulting from upper motor neuron lesions.

Which of the following is the FIRST-LINE pharmacological treatment for post-stroke spasticity?

Answer: Baclofen

Baclofen is the preferred first-line oral agent for post-stroke spasticity due to its GABA-B agonist mechanism and favorable profile.

In the Brunnstrom stages of motor recovery, Stage 3 is characterized by:

Answer: Spasticity peaks and synergy patterns are at maximum

Brunnstrom Stage 3 is marked by peak spasticity with voluntary control only within limb synergy patterns.

A 68-year-old post-stroke patient develops central post-stroke pain. Which medication class has the best evidence for this condition?

Answer: Tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline)

Tricyclic antidepressants, particularly amitriptyline, have the strongest evidence for treating central post-stroke pain.

What is the recommended minimum intensity of rehabilitation therapy for stroke survivors in the acute inpatient setting per AHA/ASA guidelines?

Answer: At least 3 hours of active therapy per day

AHA/ASA guidelines recommend at least 3 hours of combined occupational, physical, and speech therapy per day in the acute inpatient rehabilitation setting.