Recovering From Minor Strokes: What You Need To Know

A stroke is a life-threatening medical emergency that occurs when the brain is deprived of blood, often due to a blocked or burst artery. The recovery process for stroke patients varies, depending on the severity of the stroke, the area of the brain affected, and the patient's access to rehabilitation therapy. While some patients may recover from a stroke within days or weeks, others may face a longer road to recovery, requiring months or even years to regain their physical and cognitive abilities.

Rehabilitation therapy

Acute Phase (First Week):

During the initial days after a minor stroke, individuals are usually admitted to the hospital, where the focus is on stabilising their condition and addressing any immediate concerns. This phase involves assessments by a multidisciplinary team, including physiatrists, neurologists, physical and occupational therapists, and speech-language pathologists. They work together to evaluate the patient's condition and develop a rehabilitation plan.

Rehabilitation (Weeks to Months):

This is the phase where intensive rehabilitation begins. The specific therapies and interventions depend on the individual's needs and may include:

• Physical Therapy: This helps individuals regain strength, coordination, and balance, with a focus on improving overall mobility.
• Occupational Therapy: Occupational therapists assist individuals in relearning daily tasks like dressing, eating, and bathing, and they may suggest adaptive tools and strategies to make these tasks easier.
• Speech-Language Pathology: Speech therapists work with individuals to improve communication, cognition, and swallowing difficulties that may arise after a stroke.
• Technology-Assisted Therapy: Some individuals may benefit from technology-assisted therapies, such as the IpsiHand Upper Extremity Rehabilitation System, which uses brain-computer interface technology to facilitate upper extremity rehabilitation.
• Cognitive Rehabilitation: This type of therapy focuses on improving memory, concentration, thinking, and mood. It may also involve cognitive behavioural therapy to address any anxiety, depression, or tiredness resulting from the stroke.

Ongoing Recovery (Months to Years):

The ongoing recovery phase is about continuing to make improvements and adjusting to any lasting effects of the stroke. Individuals may continue with outpatient therapies, join support groups, and make positive lifestyle changes to support their overall health and well-being. It is important to remember that recovery is a long-term process, and individuals may continue to see improvements even years after the stroke.

Factors Affecting Rehabilitation:

Several factors can influence the outcome of rehabilitation:

• Severity of Brain Damage: The extent of brain damage plays a significant role in the recovery process. More severe damage may require more intensive and prolonged rehabilitation.
• Timing of Rehabilitation: Starting rehabilitation as soon as possible after a stroke is crucial. The earlier interventions begin, the better the chances of recovery.
• Intensity of Rehabilitation Program: The intensity and frequency of therapy sessions impact the recovery outcome. More intensive programs may lead to faster and more significant improvements.
• Support from Friends and Family: The cooperation and involvement of friends and family members can positively influence the recovery process and provide emotional support.

Medication

If you've had a stroke, you are at high risk of having another one. Your doctor will use medication to lower those odds. The exact mix of medication will depend on the type of stroke you had.

Ischemic strokes

Ischemic strokes are caused by a clot in an artery that supplies blood to your brain. If you've had an ischemic stroke, you're almost certain to take a drug to prevent future blood clots.

If you get to the hospital within three hours of the first symptoms of an ischemic stroke, you may be given a thrombolytic (a "clot-busting" drug) to break up blood clots. Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) is a thrombolytic. tPA improves the chances of recovering from a stroke.

Doctors may also treat ischemic strokes with other medicines, such as blood thinners, as well as surgery to remove the clot.

Hemorrhagic strokes

Hemorrhagic strokes happen when there is bleeding inside your brain as a result of a ruptured blood vessel. Endovascular procedures and surgery may be needed to stop the bleeding from hemorrhagic strokes and save brain tissue.

Transient ischemic attacks (TIAs)

TIAs are not strokes, but they're a warning that you could have one in the future. If you've had a TIA, you might be given medication to prevent an ischemic stroke or a blood clot in the lungs.

Blood pressure drugs

High blood pressure, also called hypertension, is a top cause of both types of stroke. You will likely need medication to bring your readings down. Diuretics, sometimes called water pills, help your body flush out extra salt and fluids. ACE inhibitors relax and widen your blood vessels. Beta-blockers stop the effects of adrenaline, so your heart beats with less speed and pressure. Calcium channel blockers help your blood vessels relax and open up by blocking calcium from entering the cells in the heart and blood vessels. Angiotensin II receptor blockers make it easier for your heart to pump by blocking a chemical that narrows blood vessels.

Anticoagulants

Anticoagulants help keep the blood from clotting. Warfarin and heparin are common examples. There are also medicines called direct oral anticoagulants, which include Apixaban (Eliquis), dabigatran (Pradaxa), edoxaban (Savaysa), and rivaroxaban (Xarelto). Both types of anti-clotting drugs raise your chances of bleeding.

Antiplatelets

Antiplatelets prevent clots from forming by keeping cells called platelets from sticking together. Aspirin is the best-known example. You might have to take aspirin or other types of antiplatelets for the rest of your life if you've had an ischemic stroke or a TIA.

Atrial fibrillation drugs

If you have atrial fibrillation, an irregular heartbeat condition, you're five times more likely to have a stroke than other people. You will usually need to take anti-clotting medications, like aspirin or warfarin. You may also take drugs to control your heart rate or rhythm.

Cholesterol-lowering medication

After a stroke, your doctor will likely give you a cholesterol-lowering medication called a statin. Statins seem to lower the risk of a second stroke.

A stroke can leave you with new medical issues during your recovery. Antidepressants, drugs for central pain, osteoporosis supplements, and muscle spasm drugs are some of the medications that can be used to treat post-stroke conditions.

Technology-assisted therapy

One such example is the IpsiHand Upper Extremity Rehabilitation System (IpsiHand System), a type of brain-computer-interface (BCI) device. The IpsiHand System facilitates rehabilitation of the upper extremities, including the arms, hands, and wrists, following a stroke. The device uses noninvasive electroencephalography to send a signal from the brain to a tablet, which then relays the intended movement to an electronic hand brace. The brace then helps the person make the intended movement.

Other technology-assisted therapies include robot-assisted therapy, EMG-controlled robotics, virtual reality, and mirror therapy interventions. These interventions can help improve the sensory and motor recovery of stroke survivors, requiring high attention to their controllability and adaptability. For example, about 80% of stroke victims have upper-limb motor deficits, which affect their daily living activities.

Lifestyle changes

A minor stroke, or a transient ischemic attack (TIA), is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain, which can cause stroke-like symptoms. While the after-effects of a minor stroke typically resolve within 24 hours, it is often a warning sign of a more severe stroke in the future. Therefore, it is crucial to make certain lifestyle changes to aid in recovery and prevent subsequent strokes. Here are some detailed recommendations for lifestyle changes to promote recovery and reduce the risk of future strokes:

Manage Underlying Conditions:

Keep blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar under control. This can be achieved through medication and healthy habits, such as a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Embrace a Heart-Healthy Lifestyle:

• Prioritize regular physical activity and a balanced diet. Aim for a diet low in saturated fats and sodium, as these can increase the risk of high blood pressure and heart disease.
• Stop smoking and avoid excessive alcohol consumption. Smoking and excessive alcohol intake are major risk factors for stroke and heart disease.

Stay Vigilant:

Pay close attention to your body and any unusual symptoms. Seek medical attention promptly if you notice any signs or symptoms that concern you. This proactive approach can help identify potential issues early on and prevent them from becoming more serious.

Manage Stress:

Incorporate stress management techniques into your daily routine. Stress can negatively impact your overall health and increase the risk of stroke. Find what works for you, such as meditation, deep breathing, yoga, or other relaxing activities.

Healthy Diet:

Focus on a diet rich in fiber and low in saturated fats. This can help lower cholesterol levels and reduce the risk of stroke. Consult with your doctor or a dietician to determine the best diet plan for your specific needs.

Exercise:

Engage in regular physical activity. Exercise has numerous benefits for your overall health and can help reduce the risk of stroke. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week.

Support Groups:

Consider joining a stroke support group. Connecting with others who have experienced a stroke can provide valuable emotional support and practical advice during your recovery journey.

Remember, recovery from a minor stroke is possible, and by making these lifestyle changes, you can significantly reduce your risk of future strokes and improve your overall health and well-being. Always work closely with your doctor to determine the best course of action for your specific needs.

Support groups

The road to recovery can be challenging, and having a support system in place can make a significant difference. Support groups offer a safe space to share your experiences, learn from others, and gain a sense of belonging. They can also be a great source of practical advice and emotional support.

• Reach out to your local hospital or healthcare providers. They often have information about support groups or can direct you to relevant resources.
• Contact national organizations dedicated to stroke support, such as the American Stroke Association or the National Stroke Association. These organizations often have online resources and may provide information about local support groups.
• Look for community organizations or charities that offer support services for stroke survivors and their caregivers. For example, Different Strokes is a charity in the UK that provides support and resources for people affected by stroke.
• Utilize online tools and websites that offer support group finder features. For instance, the Stroke Support Group Finder by the American Stroke Association allows you to search for registered stroke groups near you by entering your zip code and the desired mileage radius.

Remember that recovery from a stroke is a unique process for everyone, and it's important to be patient with yourself. Joining a support group can provide you with a network of people who understand what you're going through and can offer encouragement and guidance throughout your recovery journey.

Frequently asked questions