What Happens After A Stroke?
The time after a stroke can be very frightening. There are no absolutes in stroke recovery. About 700,000 people experience strokes each year, and roughly two-thirds of these people will require rehabilitation services to recover. Immediately after a stroke medical professionals will work to stabilize your condition. Strokes are the third most common reason for death, so your survival is the first concern of the medical staff. Once your condition stabilizes, your medical team will immediately turn toward rehabilitation. Strokes are the leading cause of long term disability, and doctors recognize the importance of helping you regain as many of your lost and damaged skills as possible. To help you recover after a stroke, your doctor will assemble a rehabilitation team that is chosen to directly address your health problems. Some of the health professionals that help in stroke recovery are physical and occupational therapists, speech therapists, rehabilitation nurses, psychologists and so
After a stroke, home treatment will be an important part of your rehabilitation. You may need to use assistive devices to help you: • Eat. Large-handled silverware can be easier to grab and use if you have a weak hand. • Get dressed. Devices called reachers can help you put on socks or stockings if you have weakness in one arm or hand. • Walk. Canes and walkers can be used to help prevent falls. Tips for a successful recovery • Be as involved as possible in your care. Although you may feel like letting a caregiver take charge, the more you can participate the better. Ask for help in dealing with any disabilities you may have, and try to make people understand your limitations. • Depression is common after a stroke and can be treated. Recognize signs of depression and take action to deal with depression. • Participate in a stroke rehabilitation program as soon as possible. After a stroke, a combination of physical, speech and occupational therapies can help manage the basics of daily li
A stroke can cause a variety of health problems. Someone who has a stroke might be paralyzed or have weakness, usually on one side of the body. He or she might have trouble speaking or using words. There could be swallowing or memory problems. Someone who has had a stroke might feel depressed or find it hard to control emotions. There might be pain or numbness. There are many different ways to help people get better after a stroke. Many treatments start in the hospital and continue at home. Drugs and physical therapy can help improve balance, coordination, and some problems such as trouble speaking and using words. Occupational therapy can make it easier to do things like taking a bath or cooking. A family doctor can provide follow-up care. Some people make a full recovery soon after a stroke. Others take months or even years. But, sometimes the damage is so serious that therapy cannot really help.
