These patients are admitted to an intensive care unit for further care. Additional goals for stroke care include prevention of complications, prophylaxis for deep venous thrombosis, lipid lowering therapy, blood pressure reduction, smoking cessation and lifestyle modification. Other potential inpatient complications include: heart failure and myocardial infarction, dysphagia and aspiration, urinary tract infections, pulmonary embolism, dehydration, pressure sores, malnutrition and joint contractures.
Patients will undergo functional assessments of their ability to function independently, swallowing studies and often physical and occupational therapy assessments. Prolonged rehabilitation is often necessary for those with permanent functional limitations.
