Health Care Professionals

There are many types of physicians that may be involved in the stroke recovery process. An attending physician will be overseeing all of the medical care in the hospital. This physician has experience and is in overall charge of the stroke survivor's medical care. The attending physician may be a physiatrist, which means that he or she specializes in rehabilitation. The attending physician leads the team of doctors, nurses, and therapists. A resident physician may also be involved. The resident physician is learning from the attending physician. This is the doctor that will check on the stroke survivor most often. A neurologist may also be a part of the medical team. The neurologist assesses the damage to the brain and the brain's recovery.

Nurses are an important part of the medical team. They will try to keep the stroke survivor comfortable, monitor progress, and relay information to doctors. Nurses also help keep the stroke survivor and family members up to date with what is happening. Nurses may take vital signs (blood pressure, temperature, etc.) several times a day. They may also help stroke survivors bathe, eat, and get to and from therapies.

The hospital case manager helps with communication between hospitals and with insurance companies. They help to arrange therapies, equipment and follow-up appointments once a stroke survivor is ready to leave the hospital. The case managers assist in coordinating care between sites, such as from acute care to a rehabilitation hospital, or from the rehabilitation hospital to home care therapy. The case manager will help stroke survivors and their family members understand their insurance benefits to maximize care and minimize the cost to the patient. Case managers often hold family or case conferences. This is a chance for the entire rehabilitation team to come together to discuss the rehabilitation plan. This meeting may or may not include the stroke survivor or their family, but the stroke survivor should always be informed of the outcome of these meetings.

Some hospital social workers are also case managers. Others help stroke survivors with various concerns, such as finances, family problems, getting help at home, and getting back to work. Some hospitals also offer social work services on an outpatient basis to help with the concerns that arise once the stroke survivor returns home.

Many other specialists may be involved in the stroke recovery process. These are just a few of the additional services that may be involved in the stroke survivor's care:

• Psychologist - can assist in helping the stroke survivor and/or family members cope with the stress and long-term effects associated with stroke recovery.
• Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor - provides advice, training, and resources to facilitate successful return to work.
• Driver Rehabilitation Specialist - will evaluate driving skills and recommend adaptive equipment, if necessary.
• Therapeutic Recreation Therapist - assists in improving overall health and well-being by providing recreational resources and opportunities.
• Alternative medicine - many alternative therapies can be found in conjunction with traditional medical treatment. These may include acupuncture, reflexology, massage, meditation and herbs.