American Stroke Association releases 2026 guideline urging early, comprehensive stroke rehab

The American Stroke Association, a division of the American Heart Association, released the 2026 Guideline for Adult Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery in the journal *Stroke*, underscoring a shift toward earlier, individualized post‑stroke care. The guideline, published today, calls for every stroke survivor to receive a personalized assessment and to begin rehabilitation while still hospitalized, provided they are medically stable.

The recommendations stress a multidisciplinary approach that addresses physical, cognitive, communication and emotional impairments, recognizing that recovery can extend for months or years. By integrating specialists from the outset, the guideline aims to improve functional independence and quality of life for patients as they navigate the long‑term rehabilitation process.