Dr. Mariana Silva, M.D.

Hello, a physiatrist is a physician that specializes in treating musculoskeletal, neurologic conditions, among others. They will be able to diagnose your condition by performing a detailed physical exam and requesting imaging studies needed. They favor a multimodal approach to improve your medical condition. They are experts in prescribing medications for pain control, will also perform injections if needed and will work together with therapists to improve mobility and pain.

Hello, the rehabilitation of a patient after a stroke is based upon the patient's needs and deficits related to the CVA. In general many patients will need admission to a rehabilitation hospital or unit once they are stable to be discharged from acute hospital setting. At a rehabilitation unit they will receive physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy if needed. Goals are established for each patient depending on their current functional status and neurologic status. Patient may times will continue to require therapy at home and eventually at a therapy center. You can talk to his physician and to the person in charge of his discharge planning in the hospital to assess if a rehabilitation unit admission is the next step for your husband at this point.

Ideally, you should be evaluated by a PMR physician to assess what treatment option is best for you depending on severity of pain, your medical conditions, your capacity to walk independently or with use of an assistive device. There are many options, but generally you want to start with a more conservative approach.