[Rehabilitation of stroke patients. Possibilities, duration and effect]

A close relationship exists between the severity of a stroke and the functional level that can be obtained after rehabilitation. The goal of rehabilitation, therefore, should be based on the severity of the stroke. Remission mainly takes place (more than 80 per cent) within the first three months post stroke. Remission after six months is very rare. Age and side of hemiparesis do not seem to influence the effect of rehabilitation significantly. It is not elucidated whether the severity of the stroke influence the effect of rehabilitation. Most of the controlled and the randomized studies indicate that rehabilitation of stroke patients, especially in rehabilitation units, accelerate remission, reduces length of stay and gives rise to a lasting improvement of function.