Stroke rehabilitation: Part II. Recovery and complications

Return of neurologic function after a stroke tends to be complete within six months after the insult. Initial flaccidity is superseded by spasticity, which is most prominent distally. Movements initially occur in synergistic patterns. Return of voluntary movements begins proximally in the lower extremity. In the upper extremity, proximal recovery usually occurs first, but finger movement occasionally is the earliest sign. Proper positioning and early, passive range-of-motion exercises help to avoid complications.