Stroke Treatment

Recovery After Stroke

Our multidisciplinary approach gives patients the best chance for preventing and surviving stroke. In addition to four vascular neurologists (physicians specializing in stroke), the multidisciplinary team includes:

• Neuro-ICU specialists
• Neurosurgeons
• Interventional and Diagnostic Neuro-radiologists
• Emergency Physicians
• Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists
• Hematologists
• Cardiologists with experience in hypertension, lipids and diabetes
• Psychiatrists and Neuropsychologists
• Cardiovascular and Vascular Surgeons
• Pharmacists specializing in neuroscience

In addition, a highly skilled nursing team plays a key role in coordinating research and monitoring the medical progress of patients.

Treating Acute Stroke

Harper University Hospital is one of the few hospitals in southeast Michigan with a team of vascular neurologists available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Using telemedicine technology, Harper's vascular neurologists can even see acute stroke patients in other locations. Telemedicine robots at Detroit Receiving Hospital, Sinai-Grace Hospital and Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital enable Harper's vascular neurologists to diagnose and treat patients at those locations 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That's important when treating acute stroke — every second counts.

The First 3 Hours

The neurologists of the Primary Stroke Program are some of the most experienced in the state when it comes to acute stroke evaluation and tPA administration. tPA is a clot-busting medication that can be administered to a patient within 3 to 6 hours after a stroke. The medication can be administered using a traditional intravenous approach (within 3 hours of stroke onset) or it can be delivered directly to the clot site using an intra-arterial, catheter-based approach (up to 6 hours after stroke onset). Harper neurology team has had great success using both tPA techniques.

4 to 12 Hours

When a patient presents between 4 and 12 hours after acute stroke symptom onset, Harper's stroke team has a newer treatment option. An FDA-approved embolectomy device gives vascular neurologists an effective, catheter-based method for retrieving and extracting stroke-causing blood clots quickly. This is an important breakthrough since tPA is generally not effective more than 4 hours after stroke onset.

Inpatient Rehabilitation Following a Stroke

A stroke can be devastating, robbing people of their mobility, speech, independence and freedom to live life. But recovery from stroke is possible. Research shows that early and specialized rehabilitation can help maximize a person's physical and cognitive recovery and enhance quality of life.

DMC Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan's Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF). CARF recognized our programs as meeting the highest standards in quality, safety and outcome measures.

RIM's Neuroscience Unit for Stroke and Brain Injury Recovery is equipped with some of the most advanced neurorecovery technology available and is staffed by a team solely focused on stroke and brain injury rehabilitation.

RIM's Stroke Team is led by a physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation (known as a physiatrist). Other members of the team include:

• Rehab nursing
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech-language pathology
• Respiratory therapy
• Therapeutic recreation
• Nutrition
• Neuropsychology
• Social work

RIM's stroke program incorporates therapeutic techniques based on the newest information available from emerging research around the globe. Patients have access to some of the most promising and advanced therapies for brain recovery including:

• The Zero G, a body-weight supported treadmill training device to improve gait performance and mobility
• The Armeo Spring, which promotes constraint induced therapy to strengthen motor function
• The InMotion2, an upper extremity robotic therapy to help build new neural pathways
• Dynavision 2® to address visual impairments, balance and attention
• Pharmacologic interventions to manage spasticity
• Advanced therapeutic interventions to improve speech and swallowing

RIM also provides a wide range of specialty services including:

• Aquatic therapy
• Recreational activities
• Support Groups
• Dysphagia management
• Home evaluations
• Orthotics
• Post rehab fitness program
• Patient/family stroke education
• Wheelchair services and seating

For more information about RIM's inpatient stroke rehabilitation program or to schedule a tour of our Neuroscience Unit for stroke and brain injury recovery, call (313) 745-1000.

Outpatient Stroke Rehabilitation

Stroke recovery can take months or even years. Rehabilitation Institute of Michigan’s outpatient stroke program plays a vital role in helping stroke survivors continue their recovery. Our program focuses on customized treatment plans to help patients improve strength, balance, speech, coordination and mobility. With a compassionate, team-based approach, outpatient stroke rehabilitation at RIM empowers survivors to rebuild confidence and return to active, fulfilling lives. To schedule outpatient stroke rehabilitation at our locations in Detroit, Novi, Commerce Twp., Oak Park and Sterling Heights