Recovery from stroke is a lifelong process. For many people, recovery begins with formal rehabilitation, which can restore independence by improving physical, mental and emotional functions. It is important for you and your family to know that no matter where you are in your recovery journey, there is always hope.
To enhance your quality of life after stroke, you are encouraged you to learn as many details as possible about stroke and recovery. Here are resources and information you and your caregiver can use to make as much progress in recovery as possible.
The abilities that will be lost or affected by stroke depend on the extent of the brain damage and where in the brain the stroke occurred. Learn about areas within the brain that are responsible for a particular function or ability and how this can be affected by stroke.
Post-stroke
Educate yourself. Cover topics such as choosing the best stroke rehabilitation provider, discovering your dietary needs, developing coping skills to manage daily living, dealing with emotions and more.
Current statistics indicate that there are over 4 million people in the United States who have survived a stroke or brain attack and are living with the after-effects. These numbers do not reflect the scope of the problem and do not count the millions of husbands, wives and children who live with and care for stroke survivors and who are, because of their own altered lifestyle, greatly affected by stroke.
The very word "stroke" indicates that no one is ever prepared for this sudden, often catastrophic event. Stroke survivors and their families can find workable solutions to most difficult situations by approaching every problem with patience, ingenuity, perseverance and creativity.
Early Recovery
There's still so much we don't know about how the brain compensates for the damage caused by stroke or brain attack. 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 can't 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
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation actually starts in the hospital as soon as possible after the stroke. In patients who are stable, rehabilitation may begin within two days after the stroke has occurred, and should be continued as necessary after release from the hospital. The goal in rehabilitation is to relearn basic skills that the stroke may have taken away – skills like eating, dressing and walking. There are many types of rehabilitation available. The crucial and practical information will empower you to take charge of your life and become an active participant in your recovery. Learn about how to face daily tasks at home, dressing and grooming tips, ways to make eating easier and dealing with skin care problems.
Prevent another stroke
Within 5 years of a first stroke, the risk for another stroke can increase more than 40%. Learn how to reduce your risk for a recurrent stroke by making lifestyle changes and managing medical conditions that could your increase stroke risk.
• Approximately 795,000 Americans experience a stroke each year -- about 185,000 of those strokes are recurrent strokes.
• At least 1 in 4 (25%-35%) of the 795,000 Americans who have a stroke each year will have another stroke within their lifetime.
• Within 5 years of a first stroke, the risk for another stroke can increase more than 40%.
• Recurrent strokes often have a higher rate of death and disability because parts of the brain already injured by the original stroke may not be as resilient.
• Within 5 years of a stroke, 24 percent of women and 42 percent of men will experience a recurrent stroke.
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