Secondary Prevention as Integral Part of Stroke Rehabilitation

ABSTRACT

Stroke is the second leading cause of death, and the leading cause of acquired disability in adults. Survivors of stroke are at risk of a recurrent event, which is often more disabling than first-ever stroke. Recurrent strokes continue to account for 25~30% of all strokes. That represents the needs of successful secondary prevention. Appropriate secondary prevention of recurrent stroke needs rapid diagnosis and treatment and prompt identification of the underlying cardiovascular cause. Some epidemiological data suggest that a substantial proportion of strokes can be attributed to unhealthy lifestyle behaviors. This review summarizes the evidence for optimum secondary prevention of recurrent ischemic stroke as integral part of physical medicine and rehabilitation.