ICH rehabilitation and recovery

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) causes disability due to persistent sensory, physical, language, cognitive, and emotional changes. To recover, rehabilitation is needed for the survivors. Research in the past two decades has expanded our understanding of the mechanisms underlying stroke recovery as well as developed new treatment modalities. In this chapter, key statistics, concepts, issues, and techniques of rehabilitation will be introduced with a focus on the evidence surrounding them. An overview of key principles underlying stroke rehabilitation will be provided. While there are some similarities to ischemic stroke with respect to rehabilitation, there are also key differences. For instance, ICH patients are more disabled on admission to rehabilitation compared to ischemic stroke patients but had a greater functional improvement after rehabilitation. In addition, there are issues and considerations such as hydrocephalus and seizures which are more specifically associated with hemorrhagic stroke rehabilitation. The management of such issues including identification and treatment are highlighted in this chapter as well.