OBJECTIVES: Because of the growing concern for stroke in the young, this study was done to determine functional outcome among patients seen at the out-patient clinic of the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Philippine General Hospital.
METHODS: Twenty-two patients diagnosed to have stroke in the young, who were referred for comprehensive rehabilitation and satisfied the inclusion criteria participated in this prospective study. The patients were evaluated using the Institute of Rehabilitation and Restorative Care-Long Range Evaluation System. The scores were analyzed using paired t-test, repeated measures ANOVA and linear regression at 95% confidence level.
RESULTS: Significant changes across time in all variables tested: communication, motor function of the affected extremity, the unaffected extremity, proficiency in self-cafe activities, family cluster, social cluster, resources, outlook in life and work status. Significant changes were also noted between the first and second, and between the second and third evaluation periods. Family cluster, resources and the motor functional outcome of the patients.
CONCLUSION: The present study suggests that it is not the improvement in motor recovery alone but also increased psycho-social support that determine functional outcome for stroke in young patients.