What to Know About Recovering From a Stroke

Strokes happen when your brain is deprived of vital oxygenated blood because of a blockage or breakage of one of the arteries that feed it. They’re the fifth-leading cause of death in the United States and one of the leading causes of disability. Fortunately, recovery is possible. 

Many people who have strokes experience long-lasting changes in their cognition and neurological function. Memory problems and spasticity are among the most common long-term symptoms after a stroke. 

While a complete recovery isn’t guaranteed, we have good news. Neuroplasticity, which is the ability of your brain and nervous system to restructure and build connections, gives you the opportunity to recover some of the functions affected by your stroke. 

Our multidisciplinary team at Delaware NeuroRehab Institute specializes in neurorehabilitation to rehabilitate your brain and nervous system in the days, weeks, or months following a stroke. At our offices in Dover and Wilmington, Delaware, you receive support from Neuropsychologists, Case Managers, Speech Pathologists, and other experts to aid and optimize your recovery. 

Challenges after a stroke

Strokes are unpredictable, and the effects you experience depend on the sections of your brain where cell death has occurred. Some long-term changes after a stroke can limit your independence, but you can work toward becoming more independent with your neurorehabilitation program at Delaware NeuroRehab Institute. 

Our team is here to evaluate your concerns and help you set realistic goals for recovery. After a stroke, you may deal with long- or short-term challenges like:

• Weakness or paralysis
• Speech problems
• Language comprehension problems
• Numbness
• Memory problems
• Changes in judgment
• Incontinence
• Trouble chewing and swallowing
• Emotional changes
• Spasticity

Recovery aims to reduce symptoms and recover as many of your abilities as possible. You might not fully return to your original level of function, but individualized rehabilitation can go a long way. 

Our professional services can assist

Recovery and rehabilitation after a stroke involve many strategies. You can expect regular appointments to monitor your cognition and function, as well as a variety of therapeutic services to target your concerns. 

With our team on your side, you can complete:

Speech therapy

If speech impairment is a complication of your stroke, a licensed speech therapist can help you develop your language skills, enhance your speech clarity, and improve your speech comprehension according to your goals. Speech therapists can also help with swallow therapy. 

Psychotherapy 

Psychotherapy can address any psychological or emotional issues that arise after your stroke and help you develop coping skills. 

Physical and occupational therapy

Physical and occupational therapies help you work toward functional goals while increasing your independence after a stroke. You can work on movement and coordination in physical therapy while building skills in occupational therapy, like getting dressed or doing housework. 

Your individualized rehabilitation plan might also involve medications, which our team can manage for you as you go through the process of recovery. 

Preventing future strokes

After a stroke, you’ll want to do everything you can to avoid another stroke so you can keep your progress with recovery and rehabilitation. That involves managing or treating any conditions that increase your risk of another stroke including:

• Hypertension
• Blood clots and clotting disorders
• Heart disease
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes

To get the most out of stroke rehabilitation, you should dedicate yourself to a healthy lifestyle, including a nutritious diet and a regular exercise program. 

There’s no way to predict how long you’ll have to participate in neurorehabilitation and recovery services after a stroke. Fortunately, we can help you recover. To get started with stroke recovery aftercare, call Delaware NeuroRehab Institute or schedule a consultation online today.