There is still a lot that we don’t know about how
the brain compensates for the damage caused by stroke.
Some brain cells may be only temporarily damaged, not
killed, and may resume functioning. In some cases, the
brain can reorganize its own functioning. Sometimes, a
region of the brain "takes over" for a region
damaged by the stroke. Stroke survivors sometimes experience
remarkable and unanticipated recoveries that cannot be
explained. General recovery guidelines show:
- 10 percent of stroke survivors recover almost completely
- 25 percent recover with minor impairments
- 40 percent experience moderate to severe impairments
requiring special care
- 10 percent require care in a nursing home or other
long-term care facility
- 15 percent die shortly after the stroke
These statistics are certain to improve with the proliferation
of new treatment options.
Depending on the severity of the stroke, post-treatment
options include:
- A rehabilitation unit in the hospital
- A subacute care unit
- A rehabilitation hospital
- Home with in-home therapy
- Home with outpatient therapy
- A long-term care facility that provides therapy
and skilled nursing care
The goal in rehabilitation is to improve function so
that the stroke survivor can become as independent as
possible. This must be accomplished in a way that preserves
dignity and motivates the survivor to relearn basic
skills that the stroke may have taken away — skills
like eating, dressing and walking.
The primary means of rehabilitation include:
Physical therapy (PT).
This helps restore physical functioning and skills like
walking and range of movement. Major impairments that
PT works on include partial or one-sided paralysis,
faulty balance and foot drop.
Occupational therapy
(OT). This involves relearning the skills
needed for everyday living such as eating, toileting,
dressing and taking care of oneself.
Speech & Audiology
Therapy. This assists stroke survivors
experiencing problems with communication, swallowing
or hearing.
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Treatment
& Rehabilitation
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