PHYSICAL AND FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT OF THE ELDERLY STROKE PATIENT

A functionally oriented approach to acute stroke care should take plac e in parallel with traditional medical management, since the medical c are provided during the first days and weeks after a stroke affects th e patient's ultimate disability status. The components of the function ally oriented approach include a comprehensive history and physical ex amination, through which information is obtained on current disabiliti es and abilities, risk factors for common poststroke complications, ps ychologic and social resources, and environmental barriers that preclu de maximal functioning.