Rehabilitation of Younger Patients Post Stroke

The young stroke population represents a significant rehabilitation challenge. When compared to older patients, young patients are more often employed, caring for dependants, and relying on work-related income. Although much less common than in older patients, stroke in young adults has an annual incidence rate from 6 to 20 per 100,000 individuals annually (Leys et al., 2002). One of every five individuals who experience a stroke is under the age of 65, while 5% of all these individuals are younger than 45 years old. This represents a significant number of patients with some unique rehabilitation needs (Dixon et al., 2007; Stone, 2007). This chapter reviews current research pertaining to incidence, risk, etiology, recovery, prognosis, and rehabilitation of stroke in younger patients. Additional topics relevant to the young stroke population are also featured: return to work, family stress, institutionalization, patient perceptions of care, and future needs.