Treatment for stroke begins in the acute care hospital. During the acute care stay, hospital personnel will:
1. Confirm that the patient's condition is caused by a stroke and not by another medical problem.
2. Determine the type and location of the stroke and how serious it is.
3. Prevent or treat complications
4. Educate the patient and family to help prevent another stroke.
5. Encourage the patient to move and perform self-care tasks as early as advised by the medical staff.

Spontaneous recovery happens naturally to most people. Soon after the stroke, some abilities that have been lost usually start to come back. This process is quickest during the first few weeks, but can continue for a long period of time.

Rehabilitation which typically begins in the acute care hospital can continue afterward on an outpatient or inpatient basis.