From the Research
Approximately 85% of patients with major stroke require neurological follow-up in the chronic phase of stroke, as evidenced by a recent study 1 that found a high burden of stroke-related health problems in community-dwelling stroke patients. This high percentage reflects the complex nature of post-stroke care and the need for ongoing management of neurological deficits, prevention of recurrent strokes, and treatment of complications. Some key points to consider in the follow-up of stroke patients include:
- The majority of patients (92.7%) report stroke-related problems, with a median of three problems per patient 1
- Patients often require multidisciplinary interventions, with 85% needing some form of intervention 1
- Follow-up typically begins 1-3 months after the acute event and may continue for years, with frequency gradually decreasing from every 3 months initially to annual visits as the patient stabilizes
- During these follow-up appointments, neurologists assess recovery progress, adjust medications, evaluate for post-stroke depression, monitor blood pressure control, and coordinate rehabilitation services
- The chronic phase of stroke management is crucial because neuroplasticity and recovery continue well beyond the acute phase, and complications like spasticity, seizures, and vascular cognitive impairment may develop months after the initial event
- Secondary stroke prevention requires ongoing monitoring and medication adjustments based on individual risk factors and response to therapy, as highlighted in a study on the impact of neurological follow-up on early hospital readmission rates for acute ischemic stroke 2