Stroke Center Rehabilitation

Advanced Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center

Sinai is the first hospital in Maryland certified as an Advanced Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Center by the Joint Commission. The Stroke Center at Sinai offers a 36-bed unit within the Berman Brain & Spine Institute. The Center uses an interdisciplinary team approach to patient care that includes physicians, nurses, case managers and rehabilitation therapists, all highly trained in treating patients with neurological deficits. Occupational, physical, and speech therapists typically assess patients with stroke within 24 hours of their admission, in alignment with best practices outlined by the American Heart Association.

Interdisciplinary Team Members

The interdisciplinary team plays an integral role in educating patients and families about stroke prevention by teaching the signs, symptoms and stroke risk factors at play. Particular attention is paid to the importance of smoking, drug, and alcohol cessation. All team members are required to regularly participate in continuing education related to stroke to maintain best practices in their field. Using an interdisciplinary approach, the therapists collaborate with patients, patient families, nurses, social work case managers, and physicians to provide appropriate discharge recommendations, including additional therapy services. When appropriate, patients may continue their inpatient rehabilitation course at the Berman Neurological Rehabilitation Center, where they receive three hours of therapy, daily, consistent with best practices defined by both the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association.

Occupational Therapist

Occupational therapy (OT) evaluates for any changes in physical abilities and cognition, as they relate to function and safety. Therapists assess the patient's ability to complete activities of daily living and more complex tasks such as returning to work and driving. Recommendations may be made for adaptive equipment, supervision level needed, caregiver education and additional therapy services.

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Physical Therapist

Physical therapy (PT) evaluates a patient’s muscle tone, balance, strength, coordination and endurance; specifically, how these impact mobility and safety. Just like in OT, recommendations may be made for adaptive equipment and additional therapy, either while still in acute care or when discharged to the next level of rehabilitative care.

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Speech Language Pathology

Speech language pathology (SLP) has as their primary role the evaluation and treatment of swallowing problems and making recommendations for the safest means of nutrition. When indicated, the SLP can use objective imaging to further assess swallow function. The SLP also assesses for changes in memory, thinking and communication skills and provides recommendations to both stroke center staff and patient’s family to facilitate better communication with the patient.

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