How to Obtain Balance After a Stroke

A stroke occurs as the result of a blood clot blocking a blood vessel in the brain or a blood vessel that breaks and bleeds into the brain. This traumatic event can cause paralysis, loss of muscle movement, imbalance, difficulty swallowing, memory loss and pain. Many of these complications, including a lack of balance and equilibrium, can be improved following a stroke.

Instructions

• 1

  Determine what is causing the imbalance. Poor balance following a stroke can be the result of altered sensory perception; altered cognition; altered movement due to weakness, pain or paralysis; or the side effects of certain medications.

• 2

  Get active. According to researchers at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, simply being active as soon as possible helps to improve balance following a stroke.

• 3

  Begin balance exercises. One example of a balance exercise is to sit on the edge of a chair with your toes under your knees and about 6 inches apart from one another. Then, simply stand and sit down. Repeat, and start out with hand support if necessary.

• 4

  Purchase a wobble or balance board, a disk that sits on top of a half sphere. Stand on the board and attempt to keep the disk from touching the floor.

• 5

  Consider using a mobility aid, such as a cane, which can improve your balance over time.

• 6

  Ask your doctor about braces (also called orthoses). According to Dr. Sarah F. Tyson of the University of Salford, bracing and splinting the ankle and foot can help stroke survivors regain balance and mobility.