A stroke is a life changing event that makes the survivors and their families suffer physically, emotionally, and psychologically. Recovery is not over as soon as the patient is discharged from the hospital, it begins when a person starts his or her process of rehabilitation. This phase is commonly known as the after stroke recovery phase where survivors get a new lease in life to start afresh.
In this blog, we will try to focus on the peculiarities of after stroke recovery and the significant contribution of HCAH to improve this process. Let’s dive in!
Understanding After Stroke Recovery
Stroke rehabilitation is a combination of medical treatment, exercise, counselling and changes in diet and habits. The timeline and outcomes of recovery vary for each individual, but the goals remain universal: of walking, speaking, thinking, and living the way they want to live again.
Common challenges during this phase include:
* Physical Limitations: Trembling, slowing down of muscles, or inability to coordinate a movement properly.
* Speech Impairments: Can’t speak properly or have problems swallowing food.
* Emotional Strain: Anger issues, sadness or irritation.
* Cognitive Issues: Having a problem with your memory or inability to concentrate.
And that’s the reason for the necessity of a well-disciplined, yet tender-hearted rehabilitation program, and that’s what HCAH offers.
What to do just after a stroke?
A stroke is a serious medical emergency that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or health status. It’s the fifth leading cause of death and the top cause of adult disability. Recognizing the signs of a stroke quickly is essential, as immediate treatment significantly improves the chances of brain stroke patient recovery.
To understand what happens during a stroke, think of it as a brain attack. It occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, depriving brain cells of oxygen. This can lead to damage in the areas that control key bodily functions.
The effects of a stroke vary depending on the part of the brain affected, the severity, and how quickly medical care is provided. Common symptoms include muscle weakness or paralysis, sensory loss, speech difficulties, swallowing, and changes in cognitive abilities.
Types of Strokes
There are two kinds of stroke haemorrhagic and ischemic.
Haemorrhagic strokes make up only 13% of strokes but are responsible for about 40% of all stroke deaths. This type of stroke happens when a brain aneurysm bursts or when a weakened blood vessel leaks. Blood spills into or around the brain and creates swelling and pressure, damaging cells and tissue in the brain.
An ischemic stroke happens when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel carrying blood to the brain. This makes it impossible for blood to reach the brain, resulting in stroke.
Why are the first 90 days after a stroke crucial?
According to the American Stroke Association (ASA)Trusted Source, the first 90 days after a stroke are crucial to brain stroke patient recovery. Following a stroke, the brain has a high degree of neuroplasticity, meaning it forms new connections and facilitates learning which is very helpful for recovery.
After around 3 months, a person’s brain neuroplasticity returns to a typical level. At this point, after stroke recovery is still possible, but progress will be slower.
Where does rehabilitation take place?
After getting discharged from the hospital patients have three destinations for after stroke care to choose from, in-patient rehabilitation, outpatient departments, and home care services.
- Inpatient rehabilitation units. These units are typically staffed by a multidisciplinary team, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and medical doctors specializing in neurorehabilitation.
The advantage of in-patient rehabilitation lies in its structured regimen and immediate access to medical interventions, making it a viable option for individuals with severe impairments or medical complexities.
- Outpatient units. Outpatient rehabilitation programs allow you to live at home while attending scheduled therapy sessions at a clinic.
This provides the dual advantage of professional oversight without the need for hospital admission.
Often less intense than inpatient programs, outpatient settings may be best suited for individuals who have made some initial recovery and are looking to maintain and refine their gains.
- Home-based programs. For patients who can’t sustain prolonged hospital stays or those who prefer the comfort of their own home, in-home therapies become an enticing alternative.
Healthcare professionals can visit your residence to administer tailored therapies, ranging from physical exercise to cognitive training.
One key benefit of this approach is the opportunity to integrate rehabilitation tasks within your daily routine, enhancing the functional relevance of therapeutic activities.
The survey done by HCAH, filled by stroke survivors receiving post-stroke rehabilitation found that 92% of individuals who chose in-patient rehabilitation achieved recovery from paralysis within 3 months, with 38% regaining their health in less than 20 days. In contrast, 70% of those who opted for outpatient rehabilitation experienced a recovery period exceeding 4 months, of which, 37% of them took more than a year to fully recover.
What does rehabilitation involve?
After Stroke care involves a comprehensive process aimed at helping individuals regain independence and improve their physical, cognitive, and emotional well-being. The specific goals and duration of after stroke care varies based on the severity of the stroke and the areas of the brain affected. Key components of stroke rehabilitation include
Physiotherapy
Focuses on improving mobility, strength, and balance. It often involves exercises to regain movement in weakened or paralyzed muscles, as well as improving coordination and endurance.
Occupational Therapy
Helps patients relearn daily activities such as dressing, bathing, cooking, and writing. It also focuses on improving fine motor skills and teaching techniques to adapt to physical limitations.
Speech and Language Therapy
Speech therapy for stroke patients addresses problems with speaking, understanding language, reading, and writing (aphasia). It also helps with swallowing difficulties (dysphagia) that may arise after a stroke.
Cognitive Rehabilitation
Aims to improve memory, attention, problem-solving, and other mental functions that may have been affected. Therapists often use exercises and strategies to help patients manage cognitive challenges.
Psychological and Emotional Support
Many stroke survivors experience depression, anxiety, or frustration as they adjust to life after a stroke. Counseling and support groups can provide emotional support, helping patients cope with the psychological impact.
Nutritional Support
For those with swallowing difficulties, a dietitian may provide guidance on safe eating habits, modifying food textures, and maintaining proper nutrition.
Nursing Care
Nurses play a critical role in monitoring vital signs, managing medications, preventing complications such as infections or pressure ulcers, and assisting with daily activities like mobility, feeding, and hygiene. They provide essential emotional support and collaborate with the rehabilitation team to ensure that the patient’s recovery is progressing as planned.
Caregiver Education and Training
Family members and caregivers often need guidance on how to assist with daily tasks, manage medications, and create a supportive environment at home.
Stroke rehabilitation is typically a team effort involving doctors, therapists, nurses, and caregivers, with the goal of maximizing the patient’s recovery and improving their quality of life.
Why Choose HCAH for After Stroke Recovery?
The organizational culture of HCAH, which stands for Quality Health Care after Stroke, assures patients and their families that the center is a credible bet for after-stroke care as it is tailored towards attending to the patient’s physical, as well as, social and emotional needs. Regardless of the fact whether you need the rehabilitation services provided at their in-center or home care services, HCAH makes sure that every patient gets the care and treatment he or she deserves.
Therefore, if you or your loved one is in the journey of after stroke recovery, HCAH is here to help you. Collectively, it is possible to progress towards recovery of the vital aspects of life including physical strength and self reliance.
Ready to Begin?
Take the first step toward recovery today. Contact HCAH for a consultation and discover how they can help you or your loved one on the path to healing.
References:
https://www.nm.org/conditions-and-care-areas/neurosciences/comprehensive-stroke-centers/hemorrhagic-stroke
https://www.stroke.org/en/about-stroke/types-of-stroke/hemorrhagic-strokes-bleeds
https://www.stroke.org/-/media/Stroke-Files/life-after-stroke/Life-After-Stroke-Guide_7819.pdf