“Life after a stroke?”

A physiatrist (Specialist in Physical medicine and Rehabilitation) is a physician who has been cross-trained across several specialties so that they can better assess and determine appropriate treatment options for those suffering from MANY injuries and incidents, including degenerative joint disease, autoimmune conditions, connective tissue disorders, strokes, heart attacks, spinal cord injuries, cancers, orthopedic injuries or even neurodegenerative diseases.

They are not just 'exercise doctors' or an 'advanced physical therapist'.

Physiatrists approach patients and their advocates with a 'wide-lens' regarding what body systems need to be optimized so that the patient can return to their baseline function as close as possible.

Physiatrists work closely on engaging the patient and family on education regarding their issues, as well as giving them realistic expectations for their prognosis.

Most importantly, physiatrists are 'team-players' who hope to work with other specialists and primary care providers so that they can meet all the needs of patients - whether his or her dysfunction is related to bowel, bladder, balance, swallowing, cognition, strength, sensation, sleep or mood. They also address pain issues!

In some ways, they are "PRIMARY CARE PLUS" and a great addition to any patient's medical care team when there are chronic progressively worsening and/or advanced illnesses involved.

I hope that this helps!

A physiatrist is different from a physical therapist. While physical therapists are doctors, physiatrists are MDs where they can prescribe medication. Aside from that I'm not sure exactly what they do.

The physiatrist will develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include rehabilitation exercises, medications, and assistive devices. They will closely monitor her progress and make adjustments as needed to promote recovery and enhance her quality of life. Neurologic recovery from a stroke may continue for the following two years afterwards. And there are known people who had recovery 6 and 26 years later.

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I'm so sorry to hear that this happened to your family, and thank you for the excellent question. A severe stroke can impact your entire family in a number of ways. As a physiatrist, I try to focus on what is most important to the patient. Some patients that suffer from strokes have difficulty communicating their wishes, so a physiatrist will often coordinate care with family members, therapists, and social workers. Although, the goal is to keep patients at home where they are most comfortable, there are some situations where a physiatrist might recommend a higher level of care such as home health, acute inpatient rehabilitation, or a skilled nursing facility for some period of time. I hope that was helpful for you and anyone else struggling with the same thing.

Yes, I would highly recommend seeing a physiatrist as they can assist in getting the most appropriate therapy to assist in maintaining your mothers independence. Sometimes post stroke patients can be best served with a small stay in an acute or sub acute rehabilitation center to maximize her functional recovery after the stroke

Personally I would recommend she go to a rehab center specializing in stroke patients. These centers have out patient facilities and probably need a dr's referral. It's of the utmost importance to get her back to as good as possible asap. She needs strengthening and balance exercises.

A Physiatrist is a Rehab Doctor who specializes in developing and managing comprehensive rehab programs for patients who have sustained a stroke. You could expect to see the Physiatrist for an office appointment, and receive a prescription for some form of therapy program, such as home health or outpatient therapy, that would include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and neuropsychology.

A PM&R specialist can be very beneficial for your mom and your and her caregivers as well. These specialists can help optimize the mobility she has left and help patient and family cope with any disabilities that resulted after the stroke.

A physiatrist will help identity any ongoing issues such as cognitive, speech, spasticity, bowel and bladder dysfunction, weakness, and sleep.

MANY GIVE UP LIVING AFTER TRAGEDY BUT ITS WRONG. LIVE AS LONG AS WITH GOOD HEALTH, TRY ALL OUT EFFORTS TO LIVE HAPPILY AND ENJOY LIFE.
REHAB MD OR PHYSIATRIST ARE TO HELP - TO RESTORE LIFE. WE SAY - OUR MISSION - MY MOTTO SINCE 1970 -- AS REHAB MED DOES -- ADD LIFE TO YEARS AND ADD YEARS TO LIFE. LIVE LONG AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE. REHAB MDS LIKE ME - IN MY TEAM TEAM - I HAVE ALL TYPES OF SUPPORTIVE CARE -- LIKE PT, OT, PSYCHOLOGIST, VOCATIONAL AND RECREATIONAL THERAPIST, DIETICIANS, REHAB NURSES, SOCIAL WORKERS -- PURPOSE IS TO TREAT WHOLE PERSON. SOLVE PROBLEM BY ENCOURAGING. GET BACK TO NORMAL LIFE BEFORE STROKE OR INCIDENT LIKE EVEN AMPUTATIONS. IN FIRST WORLD WAR, MILLIONS DIED BY POOR CARE AS PER CURRENT STANDARDS OF CARE. IN SECOND WORLD WAR, MUCH LESS DIED, MANY MORE SURVIVED. YOU CAN EXPECT FULL RECOVERY DEAR, SO JUST KEEP GOING. FAMILY, FRIENDS, REHAB TEAM, AND YOU ALL CAN WORK TO GET GOING FOR GOAL OF NORMAL LIFE. YOU CAN LIVE ACTIVE LIFE OF 25-30 YEARS EASILY. BE A PROUD RECOVERED STROKE PATIENT -- EXAMPLE FOR SENIORS AROUND.

It will depend on your mom’s impairments. Does stroke affects her abilities to walk? Talk? Dress herself?

Physiatrist is expert on stroke rehabilitation. I strongly recommend she see a physiatrist.

Dr. Li

This depends on her general health and the extent of her stroke. When you see your PMR doc establish reachable goals to maintain her independence and maintain good health.