title: Interdisciplinary rehabilitation outcomes following thrombolysis for acute ischaemic stroke: a case series.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) is part of routine acute stroke clinical practice worldwide. Yet, it is unclear how rtPA influences specific rehabilitation outcomes, such as motor, cognitive and communication function.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The present study aimed to collect pilot data about the effects of rtPA on communication and motor recovery during the first three months post-rtPA.
  
  
  METHODS
  Four individuals who received thrombolysis with rtPA for a single left hemisphere ischaemic stroke completed an assessment battery two weeks and three months post-stroke. Information pertaining to allied health service usage was also investigated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Reliable changes in assessment scores were observed for lower limb function in two participants with severe functional limitations. There was no reliable change in lower limb function for the two milder participants, or for any participants in upper limb or language function. Service usage varied between participants. Two participants required extensive inpatient rehabilitation. Three participants required outpatient or community rehabilitation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Tailoring of the service delivery approach may be required for individuals who receive rtPA based on functional limitations evident post-rtPA. Future research into the impact of rtPA on motor, cognitive and communication recovery after stroke is vital to inform rehabilitation programs and optimize outcomes.
authors.affiliation: Division of Speech Pathology, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia Speech Pathology Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, QLD, Australia Centre for Functioning and Health Research, Queensland Health, QLD, Australia.
authors.forename: Emma
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Finch
authors.affiliation: Centre for Functioning and Health Research, Queensland Health, QLD, Australia Division of Occupational Therapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia Occupational Therapy Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, QLD, Australia.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fleming
authors.affiliation: Speech Pathology Department, Princess Alexandra Hospital, QLD, Australia.
authors.forename: Kathy
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Clark
authors.affiliation: Division of Physiotherapy, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, The University of Queensland, QLD, Australia.
authors.forename: Kathryn S
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Hayward
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D020521:Stroke / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D015912:Thrombolytic Therapy / Q000379:methods / Q000639:trends*; D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D010959:Tissue Plasminogen Activator
keywords: Thrombolysis; interdisciplinary; outcome; rehabilitation; stroke; tissue plasminogen activator