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How to Retrain the Brain After a Stroke

A stroke occurs when there is inadequate blood flow to the brain. When blood flow is blocked, cells cannot get the oxygen and nutrients they need to survive. The brain cells die, and the patient loses abilities controlled by those areas of the brain. Previously, it was thought rehabilitation to regain brain function and physical and cognitive abilities was useful only for a short time after the stroke. Today's research shows that even long after the stroke event, activities to stimulate the brain can have wide-ranging positive effects on motor activity, vision and cognitive function.

Things You'll Need

  • Treadmill
  • Computer
  • Reading cards
  • Writing paper, pencil
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Instructions

  1. Retraining Your Brain After a Stroke

    • 1

      Begin exercise as soon as possible after the stroke, with physician approval. Practice sitting up, moving from bed to chair, standing and assisted walking.

      Passive range-of-motion exercises, with the help of an assistant, are helpful to regain movement, make you more comfortable and help the brain to rewire itself around the stroke-damaged areas. Let the assistant gently move the affected limb in all directions it would normally go. Do these exercises daily.

    • 2

      Do the prescribed exercises yourself. This is more active exercise. Your goal should be the full range of motion the limb had prior to the stroke, but go slowly. Progress may be slow. Exercise daily

    • 3

      Restrain the unaffected, healthy arm. Use the affected arm instead to do everyday activities such as bathing, dressing and eating. This is called constraint-induced movement exercise or forced exercise. This type of exercise forces the brain to rewire itself in a totally different way to move the affected limb. Do this exercise every day.

    • 4

      Walk on a treadmill. Have someone nearby to monitor your activity, making sure the speed of the treadmill is not too fast and that you do not fall. Treadmill exercise has been shown to rewire brain connections. Research from Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, reported in the August 2008 issue of "Stroke" magazine, has shown that regular treadmill exercise improves brain rewiring of stroke victims.

    • 5

      Work on the computer for at least an hour a day for nine months. This has been shown to help stroke patients regain visual ability even after partial blindness has affected them.

    • 6

      Practice with simple words written on cards to rehabilitate word recognition. Progress may be very slow. With time and practice, you may regain the ability to read.

    • 7

      Practice writing single letters and simple words. You might need to learn to use the unaffected hand to write, but do continue to practice with the affected hand. Forcing yourself to use the affected limb builds new connections within the brain. Be gentle with yourself and practice daily.

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