Stronger policy, improved recovery: closing gaps in stroke rehabilitation improves lives

Summary: Stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term disability in the U.S., and the cost to treat it is expected to skyrocket from $67 billion to $423 billion by the year 2050. Even though medical treatments have gotten better, the rehab systems meant to help people recover are falling short. Right now, getting good stroke rehab depends more on your ZIP code, your race, and your insurance than what your brain actually needs to heal. People in rural areas face especially tough barriers compared to those in cities.

To fix this, the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association have released a new policy statement. They are calling for better research, improved tracking of patient data, and new rules to make sure everyone gets high-quality, patient-centered care. As Dr. Nneka L. Ifejika explains, the quality of your recovery shouldn't depend on where you live or how much money you make.

For more details, see the American Heart Association at newsroom.heart.org/news/stronger-policy-improved-recovery-closing-gaps-in-stroke-rehabilitation-improves-lives (opens in new tab)