How to Treat the Loss of Balance Due to a Cerebral Vascular Accident

A cerebral vascular accident, also called a CVA or stroke, is a lack of oxygen to the brain, resulting in mild to severe paralysis on one side of the body. It commonly affects the arms and legs, causing loss of balance and the potential for falls. Treating this condition requires you to use the affected areas a minimum of 10 times a day in order to regain movement, strength, coordination and balance. Exercises such as walking, swimming, stretching and strengthening are all ways to gain balance and stability.

Things You'll Need

• Non-skid shoes
• Comfortable clothing
• Cane or walker

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Instructions

• 1

  Walk a short distance every day. Walking improves strength and endurance, giving you more balance. If you need assistance, use a cane, a walker, a friend or family member to help you. Wear comfortable clothing and non-skid shoes. Walking up stairs or in a swimming pool are alternatives if you need something such as a railing to hold onto.

• 2

  Lie on your back with your affected leg bent at the knee and the unaffected leg flat on the floor. Lift the bent left up and place it on the outside of the leg lying flat. Uncross your legs, and repeat the process 10 times. This exercise improves hip control for better balance while walking and standing.

• 3

  Lie on your back with both your knees bent and close together, and your feet flat on the floor. Lift your hips off the floor, twist side to side if you're able, lower your hips and repeat 10 times. This exercise strengthens the hips, hamstrings and quadriceps, improving weight shift and control for better balance.

• 4

  Stand with your unaffected side next to a countertop for stability. Lift your unaffected foot off the floor so that all of your weight is on the affected leg. While standing on your affected leg, slowly and smoothly bend at the knee. Try not to buckle you knee or move too quickly to avoid injury. Repeat 10 times. This exercise improves weight shift and strengthens the knee, giving it more control.

• 5

  Face the countertop using both your arms for support. Alternate side leg lifts by shifting your weight to the left leg and lifting the right leg off the ground, and then by shifting your weight to the right leg and lifting your left leg off the ground. This exercise improves weight shift and strengthens the hips and the pelvis for better balance.