Rehab should start early

Stroke is the fourth leading cause of death in America and is a leading cause of disability in adults, according to the National Stroke Association. Those statistics on strokes become more astounding in that the majority of strokes, up to 80 percent, are preventable. A stroke, in the simplest terms, results after blood flow stops in any part of the brain. The lack of blood flow deprives the brain of oxygen and causes cells to die, which in turn affects the abilities of that section of the brain.

Different functions are lost or affected depending on what area of the brain was damaged and the severity of the stroke. Those functions and abilities include speech, movement and memory. Recovering from a stroke can require significant lifestyle changes and sometimes even lifelong rehabilitation. The National Institute of Health states many patients will improve in the weeks and months, and even years, following a stroke when they have suffered effects in regards to thinking, moving and talking.

Rehabilitation for those recovering from a stroke is necessary to relearn basic skills that have been lost and regain the ability to care for yourself in the home environment. Daily functions that most take for granted can be lost due to a stroke; something as small as eating, getting dressed and walking can become a challenge. Rehabilitation will typically start in a hospital setting as soon as possible following a stroke, and continues based on the particular needs of that patient. There are a variety of options when it comes to rehab services, ranging from an inpatient unit within a hospital, home therapy, outpatient services and long-term care facilities. The goal of rehabilitation, according to the National Stroke Association, is always to improve functioning to allow the patient to be as independent as possible.

Whether or not a patient who has suffered a stroke is released to go home depends on multiple factors including the disabilities resulting from the stroke, if they are able to care for themselves or there are others in the household who can and if the home is appropriate for recovery, i.e. stairs in the home for a patient who lost movement functioning. For those recovering at home, changes may need to be made in order to facilitate better accessibility and prevent any kind of injury such as a rug that could lead to a fall.

Because the effects of stroke can be devastating, the NIH suggests family counseling for those who will be aiding in the recovery of a loved one. Knowing what changes will need to be made and what resources are available in the community will be invaluable. Depending on the severity, they also suggest to consult legal advice regarding care and possibly a speech therapist to communicate with both patient and family if speaking is affected.

The National Stroke Association estimates that over seven million Americans have survived a stroke and are living with the aftereffects. The recovery prognosis for most can be somewhat of a gamble considering the lack of data surrounding how the brain compensates for the damage caused. Brain cells can either completely die off or be damaged, and sometimes only temporarily damaged.

The effects can physical and mental, and can sometimes even lead to sleep disorders or behavior changes. It’s important for both the patient and the family to be as informed and educated as possible so that disabilities may be better understood and recovery a more interactive process.

The various kinds of therapy involved in stroke recovery include physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. A rehabilitation team can involve the above mentioned therapists, a neurologist, dietician, social worker, case manager and a physiatrist, some who specializes in injuries, accidents or illness. Though there are risk factors to stroke and continued strokes that cannot be avoided such as age, sex, genetics and ethnicity, there are a number of lifestyle changes that can greatly reduce the chances. Small adjustments such as monitoring your blood pressure, limiting alcohol intake and quitting smoking can have big impacts.

Diet and exercise have a direct influence on stroke risk factors; the National Stroke Association recommends a regular physical exercise routine and eating a diet low in sodium and saturated fat and high in complex carbs and fiber. The organization goes on to encourage those recovering from a stroke to stay in-the-know on the latest research. A “H.O.P.E.” recovery guide is provided on their website offering “helpful information, opportunity through self-advocacy, preventing another stroke and exercises and other recommendations.” For a full list of rehabilitation providers, a download of the H.O.P.E. recovery guide and other resource information, visit www.stroke.org.

– Katie Ho