Stroke Recovery by Lisa

Having a stroke or having to endure through watching a loved one have a stroke is very scary. You are never too young to be knowledgeable about the symptoms of strokes, what you can do to prevent them, and tips on recovering from a stroke. I know this firsthand because I have two friends that have had strokes. It is also the number one cause of long term disability and the 4th leading cause of death in the United States. One was in her late 20’s and one was in his early 30’s. Thankfully, they will each be able to make full recoveries. It prompted me, though, to learn as much as I can about strokes.

Strokes, or brain attacks, happen when blood flow stops for longer than a few seconds and the brain doesn’t get enough blood and oxygen. Strokes can cause permanent damage. Symptoms to look out for are:

-sudden numbness such as face drooping or weakness in the face, arms, or legs
-sudden confusion, slurred speech, or trouble understanding speech
-sudden vision trouble
-sudden trouble walking, dizziness, and loss of balance or coordination
-sudden severe headache with no cause

If you or a loved one has atrial fibrillation, diabetes, sleep apnea, severe atherosclerosis, high blood pressure, or a history of heart disease or previous strokes, it is imperative to seek medical treatment to help reduce the chances of a stroke. Other measures to take are manage stress, exercise, and limit alcohol intake.

The good news, as has been the case for my friends, is that the brain is extremely resilient and capable of adapting after a stroke. Post-stroke rehabilitation helps people who have suffered from strokes overcome the disabilities that occurred as a result of stroke damage. Rehabilitation from a strong can include:

-speech and language therapists to help improve speaking, listening, writing, and comprehension abilities
-exercises to help improve muscle strength and coordination
-walkers, canes, or braces can help stabilize and support body weight
-range of motion therapy
-psychological evaluation to test cognitive skills
-counseling and support groups

Recovering from a stroke can be long, challenging, and frustrating for both the patient and their loved ones. As I’ve seen though, there is light at the end of the tunnel and it takes a team to assist in the recovery process.