2. Comorbidities and complications

This self-directed learning module highlights the preexisting comorbid conditions and the medical complications during and after rehabilitation of the patient with stroke. Part of the chapter on stroke rehabilitation in the Self-Directed Medical Knowledge Program for practitioners and trainees in physical medicine and rehabilitation, this article identifies several of the major associated medical problems, such as venous thromboembolism, pneumonia, seizure, and pressure sore; discusses methods of management for each of these problems; and reviews implications of associated conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and hypertension, and secondary complications for rehabilitation and outcome.