What to Expect After a Stroke

What to Expect After a Stroke

After a stroke, the recovery is different for everybody. Below we take a look at what to expect after a stroke.

For some, it takes weeks. For most people though, it takes months or even years. And then there are others who may experience a spontaneous recovery. 

Some stroke patients are able to fully recover from a stroke, while others have long-term or even lifelong disabilities.

What to Expect After a Stroke

So, what should you expect after a stroke?

Some of the most common symptoms and issues stroke patients face include:

  • Paralysis on one side or some parts of the body
  • Overall body weakness or weakness on one side of the body
  • Disorientation for the first few weeks
  • Difficulty with learning and memory during the first few weeks or months
  • Difficulty with speaking and understanding words
  • Stroke numbness
  • Feeling strange sensations, or tingling sensations all over the body
  • Depression, anxiety, anger and aggressiveness
  • Pain in the hands and feet. This pain will get worse with each movement, and as the temperature changes
  • Difficulty with chewing and swallowing
  • Problems with controlling bowel and bladder movement

Any or all of these may occur after a stroke. However most, if not all of them, can be fixed with proper treatment and rehabilitation. So, what can you expect from stroke rehabilitation? 

Stroke Rehabilitation

There are a lot of different rehabilitation methods for stroke patients. One common one is speech therapy for those who are having trouble understanding and producing speech. 

Physical therapy is also common. This helps stroke patients regain feelings and sensations throughout their body. Physical therapy also helps patients relearn movement and coordination skills.

Additionally, occupational therapy may also be recommended to a person improve their ability to eat, dress, drink, bathe, and do other daily activities. 

Naturally, there’s also medication to help with depression and other mental health conditions one may experience after a stroke. Doctors may even recommend a patient support group. This can help both the patient and the primary caregiver.

How Long Does Recovery From a Stroke Take?

Keep in mind that not every stroke patient has the same recovery experience. For some, recovery can take years. And some may experience spontaneous recovery.

So if you ever feel like the recovery is going slow, there’s no need to panic. 

Some stroke patients will experience setbacks during the first few months after suffering from a stroke. And these may feel like major setbacks. But it is important to keep a positive mindset and continue with rehabilitation. It also helps to keep a journal where you can jot down every bit of progress, the setbacks, your symptoms, and experiences. 

Communication with your care team is also important. Based on your progress (or the patient’s progress), your care team will adjust your rehabilitation goals every time there’s a setback.

The good news is that researchers are always exploring new treatment options. There are a number of innovative ways to supplement rehabilitation treatments. 

If you want, you can explore new treatments and rehabilitation options that may help. Just be sure to discuss them with your care team first. They may be able to give you some helpful advice and personalized insights.

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