Regaining Sensation Post-Stroke: What's Possible?

can you get feeling back after a stroke

A stroke is a brain injury that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is cut off, causing brain cells to die and permanent damage. The effects of a stroke vary from person to person, but can include physical symptoms such as weakness, paralysis, and difficulty swallowing, as well as emotional and cognitive symptoms like depression, impulsivity, and memory problems. While recovery is different for everyone, it often involves rehabilitation to help restore function and prevent another stroke. So, can you get feeling back after a stroke?

Characteristics Values
Recovery Time Varies from person to person; could be days, weeks, months, or years
Factors Affecting Recovery Time Severity of the stroke, speed of initial treatment, type and intensity of rehabilitation
Symptoms Physical (weakness, paralysis, difficulty swallowing), emotional (depression, impulsivity), cognitive (memory problems, trouble speaking)
Treatment Physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language therapy, psychotherapy, medication
Long-term Effects May include ongoing impairments, also known as chronic stroke disease

medshun

Numbness and physical therapy

Numbness is a common secondary effect of a stroke, resulting in a loss of sensation in the affected areas. This can be temporary, with some people experiencing a phenomenon known as spontaneous recovery, where feeling returns on its own within the first few months of recovery. However, for others, numbness can persist, and specific rehabilitation methods are needed to promote the return of sensation.

The cause of numbness after a stroke is due to damaged brain cells. When brain cells are deprived of oxygen-rich blood, they begin to die, resulting in tissue damage and a loss of important functions in the affected areas. This can make it difficult for the brain to interpret sensory information from the skin and the environment, leading to numbness.

To overcome numbness, it is important to retrain the brain using the principle of neuroplasticity. Neuroplasticity refers to the brain's ability to reorganise itself and learn new functions. Through repeated exercises, new neural connections can be formed, helping to rewire the brain and improve sensory pathways.

There are several rehabilitation methods that can be used to treat numbness after a stroke:

  • Sensory Retraining Exercises: This involves practising different exercises that involve touch, such as feeling objects of different textures without looking and then providing visual feedback by looking at the objects. Another example is practising temperature differentiation by alternating between touching warm and cold objects.
  • Electrical Stimulation: This technique provides gentle stimulation to the nerves and muscles, helping to engage neural pathways between the brain and limbs. It can be effective in reducing painful symptoms and improving quality of life.
  • Electroacupuncture: This involves inserting thin needles into specific acupoints on the body, sometimes with electrical stimulation applied. Electroacupuncture has been found to promote neuroplasticity in stroke patients and improve recovery.
  • Mirror Therapy: This technique is commonly used to improve motor function in the hand after a stroke. It involves placing a mirror over the affected hand, and the patient then performs hand therapy exercises with their unaffected hand while watching their reflection. This helps to activate mirror neurons in the brain and encourages neuroplasticity, leading to improved numbness and hand function.

It is important to seek help from a rehabilitation team, including occupational therapists and physical therapists, to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for numbness after a stroke. Additionally, it is crucial to be cautious of the affected side at all times, as numbness can pose certain risks and affect everyday safety.

medshun

Cognitive behavioural therapy

CBT can be used to treat anxiety with or without accompanying depression. It can be particularly effective when used in conjunction with other treatments, such as speech and language therapy, or with medication. CBT can also be used to treat post-stroke depression, which is common, and can help patients develop coping mechanisms and self-confidence.

The treatment consists of four major elements: psycho-education, relaxation training, cognitive disputation, and cognitive rehabilitation. Psycho-education involves helping the patient understand the nature of their anxiety and its frequency post-stroke. Relaxation training can take the form of progressive muscle relaxation or autogenic relaxation exercises. Cognitive disputation involves challenging negative predictions and developing coping self-statements. Finally, cognitive rehabilitation focuses on strategies such as paraphrasing to slow down conversations and support information acquisition.

CBT is a proven treatment for anxiety in the general population, and there is evidence to suggest that it can be effective for those who have had a stroke. However, further research is needed to develop a complete framework for its use in this context, particularly for patients with cognitive and communication difficulties.

Stroke Risk: Young Age and Vulnerability

You may want to see also

medshun

Speech therapy

Speech and language therapy is a crucial aspect of stroke recovery, as strokes often affect speech and language abilities. The medical term for communication difficulties resulting from a stroke is "aphasia". A common type of aphasia is nonfluent, or Broca’s, aphasia, which occurs when a stroke damages the language network in the left frontal area of the brain. People with nonfluent aphasia can understand what others are saying but struggle to form complete sentences and put together the words they want to use.

SLPs also recommend resources outside of therapy sessions, such as computer programs and mobile apps, that aid in relearning words and sounds. Props and communication aids, such as pictures, notecards with common phrases, and pen and paper, are also encouraged to improve a person's ability to convey their thoughts.

The effectiveness of speech therapy depends on the area of the brain affected by the stroke and the severity of the brain damage. However, it is beneficial to begin speech therapy as soon as possible, ideally within the first three months after a stroke, as the brain experiences heightened neuroplasticity during this period.

  • Slowing down the rate of speech and learning to speak louder
  • Exercising the muscles of the mouth, tongue, and lips to make them stronger
  • Enunciating sounds in words and sentences for clearer speech
  • Practising thinking of words, such as finding synonyms, antonyms, or naming items in a category
  • Understanding words and paragraphs by identifying objects based on their names or answering simple questions after listening to a short story
  • Improving reading comprehension by identifying words that don't belong in a group or matching words with corresponding pictures
  • Learning how to make sense of numbers by counting on fingers, writing numbers, and practising naming numbers quickly
  • Improving visual attention by looking at an analog clock and stating the time or finding differences between two similar pictures
  • Putting steps in order by explaining the steps involved in a familiar activity, such as cooking a recipe or gardening

In addition to these exercises, speech therapy also involves educating caregivers and loved ones on strategies to support stroke survivors in their daily lives. This includes guidance on effective communication, supporting cognitive challenges, and providing a healthy and safe diet.

Earwax: Stroke Risk and Prevention

You may want to see also

medshun

Medication and surgery

If a stroke is caused by a blood clot (ischemic stroke), clot-busting medication can be administered to reduce long-term effects. These drugs are known as thrombolytics. Additionally, blood thinners and medication to control high blood pressure may be prescribed.

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to unclog one of the carotid arteries, which supply blood to the brain. This procedure is often recommended to prevent another stroke.

Following a stroke, patients may experience a range of physical and cognitive issues. These can include muscle weakness or paralysis, joint pain, bladder and bowel problems, swallowing difficulties, and speech and language impairments. To address these issues, various medications may be prescribed. For example, muscle spasms can be managed with muscle relaxants, and antidepressants can be taken to treat post-stroke depression.

The recovery process after a stroke can be challenging, and ongoing support may be needed. It is important to work closely with a healthcare team to develop an individualized rehabilitation plan, which may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and psychological counselling.

medshun

Long-term care

A stroke is a brain injury that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. This can be caused by a blood clot (ischemic stroke) or a burst blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). The effects of a stroke can be severe and often cause permanent damage, including physical and mental impairment. The road to recovery after a stroke is different for everyone. For some, it may take days or weeks to recover, while others may take months or years and may need to make significant life changes.

  • Physical therapy: This helps individuals regain movement, physical function, and coordination skills, such as walking and balancing. It also includes exercises to improve muscle strength and range of motion.
  • Occupational therapy: The aim of this type of therapy is to help individuals regain skills needed for daily living, such as eating, drinking, dressing, bathing, and cooking. It also includes training on how to use assistive devices, such as canes or walkers.
  • Speech and language therapy: Many people experience speech and language difficulties after a stroke, known as aphasia. Speech therapy helps individuals improve their communication skills, speech, and swallowing.
  • Cognitive rehabilitation: This type of therapy focuses on improving cognitive functions, such as memory, concentration, thinking, and mood. It may include activities to stimulate the brain and help individuals regain their ability to think and reason.
  • Psychotherapy: A stroke can have a significant impact on an individual's mental health, often leading to depression, anxiety, or mood swings. Psychotherapy can help address these emotional challenges and support individuals in coping with the psychological impacts of the stroke.
  • Recreational therapy: Social interaction and engagement in recreational activities are important for overall well-being. Recreational therapy helps individuals regain social skills and connect with others, which can improve their mood and sense of belonging.
  • Bladder and bowel care: Strokes can lead to issues with bladder and bowel control. Treatments may include medications, bladder or bowel schedules, and the use of assistive devices, such as a commode chair.
  • Swallowing and eating: Dysphagia, or difficulty swallowing, is a common issue after a stroke. A speech therapist can help with swallowing exercises and recommend dietary changes, such as thickening liquids or pureeing foods. In some cases, a feeding tube may be necessary.
  • Sensory retraining: Numbness and tingling sensations are common after a stroke. Sensory retraining exercises, also known as sensory reeducation, help retrain the brain to interpret sensory information and can improve feeling in affected areas.
  • Acupuncture: This alternative treatment method involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. Electroacupuncture, where electrical stimulation is applied to the needles, has been found to promote neuroplasticity and improve sensory impairments after a stroke.
  • Mirror therapy: This therapy is often used to improve hand motor function after a stroke. It involves placing a mirror over the affected hand, so the individual can observe their reflection while performing hand therapy exercises with their unaffected hand. This activates mirror neurons in the brain and improves neuroplasticity.

The long-term care and rehabilitation process after a stroke is tailored to the individual's specific needs and can be challenging. However, with the support of a multidisciplinary healthcare team, individuals can work towards regaining their independence and improving their overall quality of life.

Frequently asked questions

Recovery time varies from person to person. Some people may recover in days or weeks, while others may take months or years. The first three to four months after a stroke are when the most rapid recovery takes place. After six months, improvements are slower but still possible.

Common physical problems include weakness, paralysis, trouble with balance or coordination, pain, numbness, fatigue, inattention to one side of the body, and urinary or bowel incontinence. Mental health challenges such as post-stroke depression and anxiety are also common.

Rehabilitation is key to regaining feeling and function after a stroke. This includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. The intensity of therapy has a significant impact on recovery. Techniques such as sensory retraining exercises, mirror therapy, and acupuncture can also help with numbness and sensory issues.

Written by
Reviewed by
Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment