Life After Stroke

Patients are generally encouraged to return to their normal lives - depending on the effects persisting from stroke

Some aspects of life after stroke include:

• Resuming work
  How soon this is possible depends partly on remaining disability, the type of work involved, and the feelings about returning to work. Some people feel quite tired after a stroke, and have difficulty carrying out any kind of physical activity for any length of time. Part-time work at least in the early stages may be a good idea. Unless the stroke has reduced awareness of impairment, it is probable that the person who had the stroke is the best judge of when to return to work.

• Driving
  Even someone who appears to have made a full recovery after stroke should not drive a car for at least a month as the risk of another stroke is greatest at this time. To drive again involves being cleared by the doctor (who will be aware of relevant government regulations) as the stroke may have left subtle impairments, not always apparent, such as poor co-ordination, lack of awareness on one side, difficulties in judging distance, changes in vision, difficulties in concentration and confusion between left and right.
  
  
• Sexual activity
  Resumption of sexual activity after stroke is encouraged. Most couples experience some difficulty in their sex life after stroke, but this is usually due to psychological factors rather than any disability caused by stroke.  A doctor can advise on any difficulty such as erectile problems in men.
  
  
• Sport and Exercise
  Resumption of physical activity and hobbies is an important part of rehabilitation- normal activity should be resumed as soon as physically possible.
  
  
• Drinking Alcohol
  The intake of excessive amounts of alcohol should be avoided after stroke as it may interact adversely with medication, raise blood pressure, and affect judgement resulting in injury. Moderate consumption (two standard drinks per day) should not cause any problem.

Reviewed by Professor Alastair Corbett, Consultant Neurologist, Concord Hospital

Date created: 26 September 2003