Stroke (CVA)

🧾 Condition Snapshot

Stroke results from disrupted blood flow to the brain, leading to motor, sensory, and/or cognitive impairments that impact functional performance and participation.

👤 Occupational Profile Prompts

  • What meaningful tasks require use of the affected arm/hand?

  • What roles (parent, worker, etc.) are impacted most?

  • What environments limit or support independence?

  • How is this affecting daily participation (ADLs/IADLs)?

⚠️ Key Precautions

  • Fall risk

  • Shoulder subluxation risk

  • Monitor for fatigue

  • Be aware of neglect / sensory deficits

🎯 OT Considerations

  • Prioritize functional use over isolated movement

  • Prevent learned non-use

  • Address positioning & protection of UE

  • Integrate affected side into meaningful tasks

🛠️ Intervention Considerations

Promote Functional Use

  • Task-specific training (e.g., grooming, reaching tasks, object manipulation)

Motor Recovery

  • Repetition & task practice (e.g., guided reach, grasp/release activities)

Positioning & Protection

  • Proper alignment (e.g., arm trough, lap tray, or sling if appropriate)

Sensory & Awareness

  • Increase input (e.g., weight-bearing, tactile input, visual scanning)

📊 Common Assessments

COPM

  • Type: Occupation

  • Why: Identifies meaningful goals

  • When: Initial evaluation

Fugl-Meyer (UE)

  • Type: Skill

  • Why: Measures motor recovery

  • When: Tracking motor progress

Box and Block Test

  • Type: Skill

  • Why: Gross manual dexterity

  • When: Functional hand use screening

📚 EBP Snapshot

  • Task-specific training improves functional outcomes

  • Repetition & meaningful activity > isolated exercise

🧠 Clinical Anchor

  • Function first, movement supports occupation.

🔗 Evidence & Resources