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Post Stroke Rehabilitation
The good news is over two thirds of people having a stoke survive it and the majority of them will need rehabilitation to aid their recovery. How much is needed varies with the amount of damage in the brain being a major factor. After a small stroke recovery may be quite quick but after a major stroke it may take months if not years.
Post stroke rehabilitation targets are
1. To help stroke patients become as independent as possible and
2. To achieve the best possible quality of life.
The brain damage suffered cannot be cured or reversed by rehabilitation but it aims to help you achieve the best possible long-term outcome in your stroke recovery.
Recovery After A Stroke
Many people who have a stroke find they cannot do the normal everyday things we take for granted such as dressing or making a cup of coffee. Post stroke rehabilitation helps you learn the skills again and maybe develop new ones to overcome any residual problems.
All the experts agree the most important part of your rehabilitation is focused repetitive practice! You are learning or re-learning skills and need to practice the same as someone learning a musical instrument or kicking a football. Your mantra is PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT.
The treatment starts in hospital as soon as you are stable and continues after your discharge back home so you are able to look after yourself without help if at all possible.
What Sort Of Rehabilitation Will You Need?
The aim is to match your disabilities with the right rehabilitation activities rather than have a one size fits all approach. Generally the areas causing problems are
1. Paralysis or difficulty with movements
2. Loss of sensation on the affected side or discomfort
3. Difficulty using or understanding language (the medical term is aphasia)
4. Difficulties with thinking and memory
5. Unstable emotionally with rapid mood swings
The group of professionals who are involved in your treatment after a stroke is quite large and includes specialists on getting you moving again, helping you relearn everyday skills, teaching you to speak clearly and making sure you are on the right medications if they are needed. So you will be seeing physiotherapists, occupational therapists, doctors, nurses and speech specialists on a fairly regular basis. They should work together to help your recovery.
So your recovery after a stroke will involve potentially many months of work by both yourself and many trained health professionals. The old saying practice makes perfect is true and most definitely applies to stroke rehabilitation.
About the Author With more than 5 years experience helping patients after a stroke Andrew Morris is passionate about improving rehabilitation after a stroke. Read more about strokes and the latest stroke research.
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