Problems in Rehabilitation of Sequelae of Cerebrovascular Accidents

• Published in: Rihabiritēshon igaku Vol. 1; no. 2; pp. 83 - 88
• Main Authors: SHIBATA, Kan, UGAKI, Masaaki, MORIYA, Junichiro, KURIYAMA, Junichi, WATARI, Atsuo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: The Japanese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine 1964
• ISSN: 0034-351X; 1880-778X
• DOI: 10.2490/jjrm1963.1.83

One hundred patients given rehabilitation programs during a period of about 7 years for the sequelae of cerebrovascular accicents at the Okayama Rhosai Hospital were reviewed for an evaluation of therapy. Physiotherapy employed consisted of an active exercise, particluarly ambulation exercise training. All the cases obtained recovery of the function of the lower extremities to the point of single crutch walking after an average period of 2.7 months, but recovery of the function of the upper extremities were not so good. Most of the technical problems have been solved, but there are still unsolved defficulties in the approach to upper extremity training, mental and speech disturbances and paraplegic ataxia. Mortality rate does not seem to be increased during and after rehabilitation programs. From various viewpoints a conclusion has been reachedon the advisability of providing rehabilitation programs for the sequelae of cerebrovascular accidents. Cardiovascular specialists are to be responsible for these situations with an assistance of physical therapists. However, under the present Japaense circumstances where there is yet no speciality system, internists should take care of these problems. It is quite natural that this can be effectively carried out with collaboration of orthopedic surgeons and neurologists.