Amyloidosis complicating the rehabilitation of a patient with a right cerebrovascular accident.

Physiatrists are rarely presented with a case of amyloidosis. Its unrelenting course must be appreciated in order to speed the process of rehabilitation and help in setting appropriate and rapidly achievable goals. These rehabilitation challenges are discussed with respect to a patient with amyloidosis and a right cerebrovascular accident. The need for medical management of the systemic symptoms of amyloidosis is also addressed. It is felt that the addition of such a progressive terminal disease to the diagnosis of stroke leads to unique interactions among the rehabilitation staff, the patient, and the patient's family, and the need for an aggressive approach to goal-setting and discharge planning.