Recovery from Stroke

Recovery from stroke takes time
Recovery from stroke can be remarkable and inexplicable

Recovery and Rehabilitation

Much is still not known 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: another part of the brain ‘takes over’ for a damaged part. Stroke survivors sometimes experience remarkable and unanticipated recoveries that can't be explained.

Recovery after stroke takes time. It is greatest in the first few months, and gradually plateaus, although small gains may be made for the next 1 to 2 years. The rate of recovery will vary greatly amongst patients.

Rehabilitation starts in the hospital as soon as possible after the stroke. In patients who are stable, rehabilitation may begin two days after the stroke has occurred, and should be continued as necessary after release from the hospital.  Before discharge a conference with hospital staff regarding future care, supervision and rehabilitation is essential.

Depending on the severity of the effects of the stroke, rehabilitation options include:

• A rehabilitation unit in the hospital
• A rehabilitation hospital
• Home therapy
• Home with outpatient therapy
• A long-term care facility that provides therapy and skilled nursing care.

Further sources of information and support 

Australia
http://www.strokensw.org.au/
http://www.strokefoundation.com.au
http://www.mydr.com.au

Overseas
http://www.strokeaha.org
http://www.americanstroke.org
http://www.intelihealth.com

Reviewed by Professor Alastair Corbett, Consultant Neurologist, Concord Hospital