Summary

Cerebral Vascular Accidents (CVAs), aka strokes, are defined as a sudden, focal neurological deficit in the brain. Strokes occur when there is restricted blood flow to the brain that causes cellular damage. Strokes can be grouped as ischemic or hemorrhagic. Acute strokes are defined as < 2 months post CVA. Subacute strokes are defined as 2-6 months post CVA. Chronic strokes are defined as > 6 months post CVA.

Ischemic

Ischemic strokes occur when there is a lack of blood flow to the brain from a thrombus, embolus, or general hypoperfusion. A thrombus occurs when there is a clot in a blood vessel that has built up over time generally caused by atherosclerosis or hypertension. An embolus occurs when a traveling bit of matter (generally part of a thrombus) gets released into the bloodstream and causes a sudden blockage in a blood vessel.

Hemorrhagic

Hemorrhagic strokes occur when a blood vessel ruptures and causes bleeding in the brain. These types of strokes are often caused by hypertension, aneurysm ruptures, arteriovenous malformations, or from trauma.

Outcome Measures

Core Outcome Measures

The core set of outcome measures for adults with neurologic conditions was developed as a clinical practice guideline to create a mainstream set of outcome measures to use with this population across the continuum of care. These guidelines establish the minimum measures needed to quantify balance, walking speed, walking endurance, and transfer ability. These measures should be used with patients who have the capacity to improve in the areas listed above. These outcome measures can be used in all settings of care and at different time points of care.

Additional Outcome Measures Suitable for Stroke

In addition to the core outcomes measures, additional measures have been identified as appropriate for patients with stroke by The Academy of Neurologic Physical Therapy (ANPT). The measures listed on this site have been categorized as outcome measures that must be learned throughout a 3-year DPT program. The current research, psychometric properties, and demonstration of the Trunk Impairment Scale, Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment, Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients, Orpington Prognostic Scale can be found by clicking on each measure below.

StrokEDGE II Outcome Measures Summary

StrokEDGE II Complete Document of Recommendations