What is a typical rehabilitation goal within the first week post-stroke?

Improving mobility and self-care is indeed a primary rehabilitation goal during the first week post-stroke. In the acute phase after a stroke, the focus is often on basic physical recovery. This includes helping patients regain the ability to move, sit up, and perform daily activities as independently as possible. Early mobilization is crucial to prevent complications such as deep vein thrombosis and promote overall recovery.

Targets such as enhancing speech and language skills, increasing cognitive function, and promoting social interaction are certainly important, but these typically become more prominent in later stages of rehabilitation once the patient’s immediate physical needs have been addressed. The first week is predominantly centered on establishing a foundation for mobility and self-care, which are essential for a patient’s independence and overall rehabilitation journey.