Executive dysfunction immediately after mild stroke.

The purpose of this study was to determine the presence of executive function deficits immediately after mild stroke that are known to impact participation in home, work, and community life. Individuals with mild stroke who were discharged from the acute setting to the home with few or no rehabilitation services were assessed within 1 week after discharge using a cognitive battery. Using rigorous criteria to identify a specific deficit in executive function, results showed that 66% of the population (N = 35) scored in the deficit range on at least one of the four measures of executive function; 27% of the population (N = 14) scored in the deficit range on two or more measures. Although deficits post-stroke are sometimes known to spontaneously recover, cognitive dysfunction of this nature often becomes chronic. This group is typically discharged with little or no rehabilitation; by detecting these deficits in the acute stage of stroke care, occupational therapists can make appropriate rehabilitation and follow-up recommendations. Copyright 2011, SLACK Incorporated.