Just hearing the word “stroke” in a medical setting can be scary. However, recovery from a stroke starts right away – and what you do now will shape your future. Many people who have a stroke go on to recover, either fully or partially.
Recovery from a stroke is a multidisciplinary process. If you’re at risk of experiencing a stroke or want to learn more about what recovery looks like, make an appointment with your primary care provider
What are the types of strokes?
A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted. In order to understand how to recover from a stroke, it’s important to know about the different types of strokes.
The two main types of strokes are:
- Ischemic strokes: The most common type, this one occurs when a blood clot blocks or narrows an artery, which restricts blood flow and oxygen to the brain. Included in this type is a transient ischemic attack, or TIA, sometimes called a “mini-stroke,” which is a temporary interruption of blood flow to part of the brain.
- Hemorrhagic strokes: While less common, these are when a blood vessel rupture that causes bleeding in or around the brain.
Both types of strokes can occur in the brain stem, which are commonly more severe and often fatal.
What does recovery from a stroke look like?
Following a stroke, your recovery can vary based on several factors including the severity and areas of the brain impacted. You can continue to recover from a stroke for many months after a stroke, for up to a year or even longer. This recovery is a very gradual process.
You will typically start stroke rehabilitation therapy very early after a stroke, including physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy.
Physical therapy uses exercises to help you relearn movement and coordination skills you may have lost because of the stroke. Occupational therapists focus on improving daily activities, such as eating, drinking, dressing, bathing, reading and writing. Requiring speech therapy is common as well, since speech and language skills are often impaired following a stroke.
How long should it take to recover from a stroke?
The first three months after a stroke are the most important for recovery. It’s also when patients will see the most improvement. That’s because the brain is in a state of heightened neuroplasticity – its greatest capacity to rewire and heal.
But recovery doesn’t stop there. After six months, improvements are possible but will be much slower. Some studies have found that stroke survivors can continue to improve after a year post-stroke.
Each person’s individual recovery timeline will vary based on several factors including the severity and areas of the brain impacted. Working closely with your care team and staying dedicated to your stroke rehabilitation program will improve results.
Can you fully recover from a stroke? What the research shows
Some patients may have lifelong disabilities, while others may recover completely. About 14 percent of stroke survivors achieve full recovery. More than half require help and support from others to some degree.
For all patients, your stroke recovery process involves making changes in the physical, social and emotional aspects of your life. These lifestyle changes can help to prevent additional strokes and facilitate lifelong recovery.
Ways to make recovery from a stroke easier
- Prioritize a healthy lifestyle: While exercise can help you prevent a stroke from occurring, it’s even more important following one. Even a quick walk can make a big difference in building a strong heart and helping prevent additional strokes. Diet also plays a large role, so try to focus on fruit- and vegetable-rich meals and foods that are good for your heart and can help reduce high blood pressure. If you have any questions about making changes to your diet, you should talk to your doctor.
- Measure physical progress: Stroke survivors are expected to make measurable functional gains every week in mobility, communication and daily living skills. It is important both the positive progress as well as falls are noted. Falls are common and can be minor or cause additional injury. If falls occur more than two times within six months, physical therapy may be needed.
- Measure emotional progress: Depending on the part of the brain that the stroke affected, changes in your emotions might occur. Many stroke survivors have a difficult time controlling their emotion and 30 to 50 percent develop some sort of depression. Make sure your stroke treatment is focused on treating both your mind and body, rather than just the physical symptoms.
- Build a solid support system: A stroke survivor might need help doing things they used to do or relearning new ways to accomplish these tasks. This is often a frustrating experience. Feeling heard, supported and hopeful are all important parts of progress.
- Regular visits with your doctor: Seeing your doctor regularly and engaging in helpful two-way conversation allows doctors to monitor recovery, vital signs and provide additional recommendations, such as seeing a specialist if needed.
How we can help
Strokes are a very serious condition, which makes knowing the stroke warning signs especially important. Because stroke care requires a multidisciplinary team, your primary care provider may recommend a neurologist or another specialist who cares for patients recovering from a stroke. Make an appointment with your primary care provider for a recommendation or schedule directly with a stroke care expert.
Learn more about the neurology and stroke care services we offer at Bon Secours.
