ABSTRACT
Cognitive and behavioral deficits are present in the majority of hemispheral stroke survivors. Although they cause significant disability, they are often overlooked or paid less attention than motor deficits. Commonly used disability scales, such as the Barthel Scale, do not consider the impact of language, cognitive, or behavioral impairments on the daily life of stroke victims. Patients afflicted with communication deficits, demented, or with behavioral disturbances pose additional difficulties for their caregivers and consequently some will end up in institutions. Many of these patients will receive speech therapy or neurocognitive rehabilitation and may need pharmacological interventions. Paradoxically, they are less likely to receive appropriate secondary prevention measures.
