Community-Based Rehabilitation After Brain Infarction in Japan: From the Acute Phase to Home

Abstract

Cerebral infarction is one of the most common cerebrovascular diseases and can result in severe residual functional disabilities that permanently affect patients’ activities of daily living and quality of life. Rehabilitation plays a significant role in reintegrating these people into society and enabling them to return home. Due to the growing aging population in Japan, the financial and societal impacts of cerebrovascular diseases are expected to increase. Here, we review the rehabilitation process in Japan through the acute, recovery, and daily living stages while considering the pathological conditions of patients with cerebral infarction. In particular, we discuss the pathology of cerebral infarction and rehabilitation interventions, the timing and purpose of rehabilitation, the use of walking aids such as canes, braces, and walking-assistive robots, the benefits of providing support and guidance to family members and caregivers, the use of telestroke and telerehabilitation, the services provided by rehabilitation facilities, and recent legal changes in Japan.