Early Neurological Rehabilitation After a Stroke
A stroke is a dramatic turning point in a person’s life – everything changes in an instant. Early neurological rehabilitation is all the more important after a stroke: it lays the foundation for recovery and long-term quality of life. In the early phase, we support patients step by step to best regain their physical and cognitive abilities – always with the goal of supporting the patient to become more independent.
What does early neurological rehabilitation mean?
Early rehabilitation after a stroke starts immediately after acute treatment in hospital. Patients with severe impairments in particular still need close medical attention in this phase alongside intensive therapy.
Rehabilitation after a stroke starts as quickly as possible. This is also the case when patients are still fully or partially ventilated and fitted with a tracheostomy. This enables us to lay the foundations for a quick transfer to our clinic for further rehabilitation.
This type of early rehabilitation is also suitable for supervised patients with serious neurological deficits due to other neurological diseases (Guillain-Barré syndrome, brain inflammation/encephalitis, hypoxic brain damage due to lack of oxygen, etc.), brain injuries, and a severely impaired general condition as a result of long-term medical treatment.
Aims of early stroke rehabilitation
The main aims of neurological post-stroke rehabilitation are:
- Stabilizing health: for medical stability after the acute event.
- Mobilization from the hospital bed.
- Improved consciousness, such as for patients in a vegetative state or a so-called minimally conscious state (MCS).
- Weaning off of partial ventilation or ventilation (tracheostomy management) – gradual weaning to improve independent breathing.
Treatment approach for early stroke rehabilitation
Stroke treatment requires a holistic, interdisciplinary approach. Doctors, physiotherapists and occupational therapists, speech therapists, nursing staff, and other staff all work closely together. We develop a personal treatment plan for each patient which considers all aspects of recovery – from physical functions and speech to emotional stability.
Therapeutic measures
Physiotherapy
Promotes mobility and strength through targeted exercises
Occupational therapy
Support for daily activities such as getting dressed and eating
Speech therapy
Improves communication and swallowing abilities
Neuropsychology
Strengthens attention, memory, and orientation to gradually restore cognitive functions
Neuro-Urology
Treats bladder and continence problems to improve independence and quality of life
Robotics therapy
Motor rehabilitation utilizes state-of-the-art technology to train movements and achieve faster progress
Neuromodulation
Activates certain areas of the brain to promote the healing process and restore functions – non-invasive, i.e., without penetrating the body
Stroke treatment at our rehabilitation clinic
Admission and goal-setting:
At the admission consultation and initial examinations, we check your medical history and existing medical records. Together with you and your relatives, we set out realistic goals for early rehabilitation after a stroke.
Individual therapy program:
Our highly specialized and interdisciplinary team develops a customized treatment program – tailored to your needs and your specific case.
Ongoing adaptations:
We monitor your progress constantly and adapt the treatment plan to ensure each measure works in the most effective way.
Preparation for the next phase of rehabilitation:
As soon as your health condition stabilizes – roughly when ventilation is no longer needed – we prepare you and your family for transfer to ongoing rehabilitation.
Our specialists in early neurological rehabilitation
Dr. med. Daniel Zutter
Chief Physician and Medical Director, Chief Medical Officer VITREA Switzerland
Specialist in Neurology and Internal Medicine
German, English, Italian
Prof. Dr. med. Karsten Krakow
Chief Physician of Neurological Rehabilitation and Early Rehabilitation, Deputy Medical Director
Specialist in Neurology
German, English
Dr. med. Susanna Meier
Head Physician, Co-Head of Early Rehabilitation
Specialist in Internal Medicine and Intensive Care Medicine
German, English
Dr. med. Benedikt Bader
Deputy Chief Physician, Co-Head of Early Rehabilitation
Specialist in Neurology, specializing in Intensive Care Medicine
German, English
Our specialist early rehab centers in Switzerland
Why VITREA?
A focus on medical care
Personalized stroke treatment plan
Dedicated patient service
Individual admissions planning
When does early rehabilitation start after a stroke?
In general, immediately after acute care in hospital, as soon as the patient is sufficiently medically stable.
Who benefits from early neurological rehabilitation?
Above all, patients with severe strokes or brain injuries who still need intensive care and support.
How long does early stroke rehabilitation last?
The duration varies and depends on the condition of the patient. The aim is to transfer to ongoing rehabilitation as quickly as possible. This is best achieved with a highly-specialized, intensive treatment program.
Which therapies are used in early neurological rehabilitation after a stroke?
These may include: physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, neuropsychology, robotics therapy, and, if necessary, weaning off ventilation.
More about therapies
Can a ventilated patient receive early rehabilitation after a stroke?
Yes, in specialist clinics such as our Bodan ward, early stroke rehabilitation is also possible for ventilated patients.
Do you want to find out more about early rehabilitation options? Get in touch for more information.
