what to expect during stroke recovery

Post-stroke recovery is different for everyone. The length of rehabilitation and the extent to which you regain physical and mental capabilities depends on your care.

Side Effects of a Stroke

Depending on the location and severity of a stroke, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Paralysis or weakness on one or both sides of your body
• Facial paralysis or numbness
• An inability to speak
• Trouble chewing or swallowing
• Bladder or bowel control issues
• An inability to process thoughts or focus
• A lack of emotional response
• Confusion
• Memory loss
• Depression

Talk to Your Neurologist

Where the stroke occurred in your brain will determine how your body is affected. Neurologists can provide comprehensive insight into the physical and neurological impacts of your stroke and can answer any of your questions. Learning as much as you can about your stroke will help your rehabilitation team create the best recovery plan.

Therapy Options

You’ll likely experience the fastest gains during recovery within the first few months after your stroke. During this time, your brain is in a heightened state of neuroplasticity, which is its ability to rewire itself and form new neural connections. Adhering to a customized therapy schedule will optimize your recovery.

Physical therapy: This type of therapy is all about regaining movement and strengthening your body through exercise. Physical therapy addresses balance issues, muscle weakness and movement limitations. Practicing repetitive physical tasks helps your brain relearn how to control your muscles.

Speech therapy: A speech-language pathologist helps stroke recovery patients with speech and swallowing issues. You’ll receive a swallow test after a stroke to determine if you need assistance eating and drinking. This therapy also focuses on helping patients relearn how to communicate through speech, reading and writing.

Occupational therapy: The holistic approach of occupational therapy addresses improving a patient’s ability to complete daily tasks like dressing, bathing and eating. This therapy also focuses on implementing positive coping strategies to address the emotional effects of a stroke.

Reducing Your Risk for Another Stroke

One in four survivors is at an increased risk of having another stroke, usually within the first 90 days following an incident. Here are some tips to prevent another stroke:

• Address the causes of stroke, including heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure and diabetes.
• Maintain a healthy diet and reduce your sodium and sugar intake.
• Create a regular fitness routine.
• Eliminate nicotine use and reduce your alcohol consumption.
• Discuss starting an aspirin regimen with your doctor.

Embassy Healthcare has therapists, nurses and support staff dedicated to maximizing stroke recovery and rehabilitation. Call 888-975-1379 or contact us online for more information.