Help After a Stroke

A stroke happens when blood is unable to carry essential nutrients and oxygen to the brain. Once brain cells have died, most abilities controlled by particular areas of the brain are lost. However, it is possible to regain control of faculties after a stroke by performing activities that improve cognitive function, motor skills, and vision. The National Stroke Association estimates that 35 percent of stroke victims can regain most pre-stroke abilities with the help of a rehabilitation program.

Cognitive Improvement

• Certain activities should be performed daily to enhance cognition. Writing letters first, then complete words, is great at improving cognitive abilities. The stroke patient should begin by using the unaffected hand to start writing letters in the alphabet. He starts with very simple words that kindergartners would learn, then gradually progresses. If he practices writing these words on index cards, he might eventually regain the ability to read. Once he has learned some easy to moderate words, he should try to write them with the hand that was affected by the stroke. This will help build a sense of reconnection within the brain if he uses limbs that have been altered.

  Another method that improves cognition is spending time reading on a computer every day. Even if blindness occurred after the stroke, spending at least one hour a day on the computer might help regain the ability to read as well as visual abilities.

Physical Therapy

• Physical therapy will probably needed after a stroke. Performing exercises required by a therapist will improve motor skills and range of motion in limbs. Most likely, these will begin with very simple exercises such as sitting up in bed and then lying back down, moving from a bed to a chair to sit upright, standing then sitting, and assisted walking. A physical therapist will move on to passive range-of-motion exercises to move the limbs in directions they are supposed to go. This will help the brain become accustomed to stroke-damaged areas as well as regain a connection and assist with full movement abilities.

  A stroke victim must use his/her affected arm for daily activities such as showering, eating, or dressing. This will cause the brain to become rewired to promote capability of movement in affected limbs.

Treadmill

• A study conducted by physicians at Johns Hopkins University showed that walking on a treadmill at least three times a week is beneficial for stroke survivors. Many studies have also shown that frequent walking will prevent strokes and promote rehabilitation. When using a treadmill, it is important to have someone close by to make sure the speed is not too fast and that you do not fall off.

Recovery

• There are many facets of a recovery program that must be planned after a stroke. First there is discharge planning, which occurs early in the rehabilitation stage. It will be determined who is going to take care of the patient; usually that is a family member or close friend. Also, caregivers such as home health care aides and health care providers to monitor recovery will be lined up. Special equipment such as canes, walkers, wheelchairs, or communication aids will be decided upon during and after rehabilitation.

  Finances might be a burden on a stroke patient, depending on the type of care necessary and what the patient's insurance covers. Medicare will take care of most expenses but might not cover home care, adult day care, or long-term care facilities. It is important to know what the primary insurance provider will cover. If the patient is low-income, find out what assistance Medicaid will offer.