Beyond Recovery: The Science and Art of Stroke Rehabilitation

Asif Maitheen, Clinical Instructor of Speech-Language Pathology, School of Rehabilitation and Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, University of Nizwa

Stroke care in Oman has undergone rapid development in recent years, yet the journey toward comprehensive recovery remains ongoing. On World Stroke Day, observed on October 29, it is especially important to highlight the transformative role of rehabilitation—particularly speech and swallowing interventions—in improving life after stroke for patients and their families. With growing awareness and strengthened acute stroke infrastructure, Oman is well positioned to make further advances in post-stroke care.

Stroke continues to be a major cause of mortality and long-term disability in the country, predominantly affecting older adults who often present with comorbid conditions such as hypertension and diabetes. Acute stroke units in major hospitals, including Sultan Qaboos University Hospital, have adopted internationally recognized best practices, such as rapid computed tomography imaging, multidisciplinary stroke teams, and early rehabilitation planning. Despite these advances, many stroke survivors continue to experience varying degrees of physical and functional dependency, underscoring the critical need for holistic and sustained post-acute rehabilitation services.

Within this continuum of care, speech-language pathologists play a central role in addressing two of the most common and impactful post-stroke challenges: communication disorders, such as aphasia and dysarthria, and swallowing difficulties, known as dysphagia. In Oman, dysphagia affects an estimated 70 percent of patients in the acute phase of stroke and significantly increases the risk of aspiration pneumonia, lengthens hospital stays, and often necessitates nasogastric tube feeding. Recent local studies have demonstrated that early involvement of speech-language therapists and routine dysphagia screening can reduce pneumonia rates, enhance patient safety, and support earlier and safer return to oral feeding.

Speech therapy extends beyond restoring basic communication skills; it empowers stroke survivors to regain independence and actively participate in daily life. Therapeutic interventions may include exercises to improve swallowing safety, the use of alternative or augmentative communication strategies, and structured education for caregivers. These interventions are delivered with careful attention to Oman’s cultural and linguistic context, ensuring relevance and effectiveness. National guidelines increasingly emphasize the importance of standardized protocols and continuous professional training for speech-language therapists and medical staff, a necessary step as stroke services continue to expand across the country.

Oman’s stroke centers are progressively aligning with international guidelines issued by the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association, which recommend immediate speech-language pathology assessment for all stroke admissions and evidence-based management of communication and swallowing disorders. The Oman Neurology Society has developed acute stroke management protocols by reviewing and adapting updated international guidelines to suit local resources and clinical realities. Multidisciplinary collaboration and ongoing education programs for nurses and physicians are gaining momentum in tertiary hospitals. Nevertheless, challenges persist, particularly in the areas of community-based rehabilitation, access in rural regions, and consistent implementation of standardized protocols across healthcare facilities.

World Stroke Day serves as a timely reminder of the need for continued investment in stroke services. Expanding stroke units, implementing universal acute screening for speech and swallowing disorders, and strengthening system-wide support for speech-language pathology services are essential priorities. Emerging research from Oman now provides valuable baseline data for policymakers, while international comparisons demonstrate the substantial gains achievable when speech-language therapists are fully integrated into the stroke care pathway. Strategic and sustained investment will help ensure equitable access to high-quality rehabilitation for all stroke survivors, regardless of geographic location.

As Oman strives for excellence in stroke care, speech-language pathologists remain powerful catalysts for recovery. Their expertise, combined with early intervention, public awareness, and strong policy support, enables more patients to return to meaningful and fulfilling lives. On this World Stroke Day, it is imperative to champion multidisciplinary rehabilitation and to recognize the profound impact of restoring communication and swallowing functions to those affected by stroke.