Right-Side Stroke Recovery

According to the National Stroke Association, stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States. Many people who suffer from strokes have one-sided paralysis called hemiparesis.

Identification

• A stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel or artery, disrupting the flow of blood to the brain. Due to the lack of oxygen in the brain, brain cells begin to die. Brain damage is imminent.

Right-side Stroke

• A stroke that occurs on the right side of the brain may affect the creative side of the brain. Many people who have this type of stroke have trouble with music, anxiety and reactions. Confusion may be experienced. Speech is also usually affected in those who have right-sided strokes.

Hemiparesis

• When the right side of the brain suffers a stroke, the left side of the body can be affected. This can result in hemiparesis, or one-sided paralysis. Damage to the right side of the brain can cause people to talk more than usual and can cause a shorter attention span. Hemiparesis can also make it more difficult to get dressed, eat and complete activities of daily living.

Recovery

• Treatments may help patients recover from a stroke. Physical therapy can be useful in regaining strength, recovering balance and coordination and improving range-of-motion. Occupational therapists can help the patient to learn how to cope with everyday life and relearn skills needed to complete daily tasks.

New Treatments

• New treatments are being discovered for patients with hemiparesis resulting from stroke. Electrical stimulation has been used successfully to strengthen limbs and improve range-of-motion. Teaching stroke survivors motor imagery skills may help them visualize their limbs moving. This can be beneficial when relearning tasks such as walking.