Emily Tumber
A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when there is a lack of blood flow to the brain, causing brain cells to become damaged or die. The effects of a stroke vary from person to person but may include physical, cognitive, and emotional symptoms. While some people may recover fully from a stroke, most are left with some degree of disability. The brain has an extraordinary ability, known as neuroplasticity, to heal and recover lost functions after a stroke. This healing process can be enhanced by starting rehabilitation as soon as possible, which may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language therapy. Brain exercises, a healthy diet, regular exercise, and limiting alcohol consumption can also help improve brain activity and promote recovery after a stroke.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recovery Timeline | The first 3-4 months are the most crucial for recovery, with the biggest gains expected during this period. Improvements are still possible after 6 months but will be much slower. |
| Full Recovery | According to the American Stroke Association, only 10% of stroke survivors will make an almost complete recovery. |
| Rehabilitation | Rehabilitation should begin as soon as possible after the initial treatment, ideally within 24 hours. It includes physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language therapy. |
| Brain Exercises | Brain exercises can help with recovery by improving thinking, reasoning, memory, and other cognitive skills. Games, repetition, and brain-boosting diets are recommended. |
| Spontaneous Recovery | Some lost abilities may return spontaneously during the first few weeks or months after a stroke. However, most patients are left with some degree of disability. |
| Neuroplasticity | The brain's ability to reorganize neurons and form new neural pathways is known as neuroplasticity. This mechanism allows the brain to heal and recover lost functions after a stroke. |
| Learned Non-Use | Learned non-use occurs when survivors consistently avoid tasks involving affected functions, leading to a permanent loss of function. Restorative techniques are recommended to prevent this. |
What You'll Learn
Brain exercises and activities
Brain exercises are an important part of the recovery process after a stroke. They can help to improve mental aptitude and recover skills like thinking, reasoning, and memory. Here are some brain exercises and activities that can aid in stroke recovery:
Classic Board Games
Games like Connect 4, Qwirkle, Battleship, Guess Who?, Checkers, Rumikub, Mahjong, and Scrabble require various brain skills, including concentration, reasoning, organization, memory formation, and strategic thinking. These games also provide an opportunity for social interaction, which can further aid in recovery.
Memory Games
Games like Simon, Tap It, and Bop It issue a sequence that players must follow, with the sequence growing longer after each successful round. These games help improve focus and memory skills, and some also incorporate physical movements to aid in regaining strength and movement.
Card-Matching Games
This game involves placing cards face down and flipping them over in pairs to find matches. It is a great visual memory exercise and helps with mental recall and visual scanning abilities.
Alphabetizing Sentences
Writing the words of a sentence in alphabetical order is a great cognitive exercise for analytical reasoning. Longer sentences can be more challenging, while shorter sentences are better for those with more advanced cognitive impairments.
Counting Money
Counting coins and calculating their total value is a quantitative reasoning exercise that can help stimulate the brain and improve cognitive function.
Brain Teasers and Puzzles
Crossword puzzles, word searches, and Sudoku are excellent brain exercises that challenge analytical and quantitative reasoning, concentration, attention, and memory skills. Jigsaw puzzles are also beneficial for improving concentration, focus, and visual-spatial skills, as well as fine motor skills and finger strength.
Art Therapy
Drawing, coloring, painting, or crafting helps improve analytical skills and hand-eye coordination. Holding art tools and manipulating supplies can also help improve muscle strength and stamina. Additionally, art therapy can provide an outlet for emotional expression and stress relief.
Learning New Skills
Engaging in new activities such as learning sign language, making scrapbooks, gardening, or birdwatching can stimulate memory and communication skills. These activities may also involve physical movements that aid in muscle strengthening and regaining motor skills.
Cognitive Therapy Apps
Apps like BrainHQ, MindMotion™ GO, Lumosity, and CogniFit offer brain-training exercises specifically designed to improve memory, attention, brain speed, navigation, visuospatial processing, problem-solving, and reasoning skills. These apps often provide personalized programs and track progress.
Reading and Music
Reading and listening to music can provide cognitive benefits, improve memory, and enhance mood. Learning to play a musical instrument can particularly reactivate areas of the brain associated with memory, reasoning, speech, emotion, and reward.
Spending Time Outdoors
Being in nature has a positive impact on mental health and cognitive function. Outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, or simply enjoying the scenery can be beneficial for brain health and overall well-being.
Breathing and Visualization Exercises
These techniques can help calm the nervous system and improve psychological and cognitive functions. Visualization can also stimulate neural pathways associated with movement, coordination, and memory.
Mindfulness and Meditation
Practicing mindfulness and meditation has been linked to neuroplasticity, which is crucial for stroke recovery. These practices can help improve concentration, support restorative rest, and facilitate the brain's ability to adapt and recover from damage.
It is important to note that recovery after a stroke looks different for everyone, and it is recommended to consult with healthcare professionals to determine the most appropriate exercises and activities for your specific needs.
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Physical therapy
The first few weeks after a stroke are critical for recovery, as some lost abilities may return spontaneously during this period. The rehabilitation team works with the patient to complete various tasks, such as walking or brushing hair, to evaluate the effects of the stroke and determine the areas of the brain affected. This information guides the development of a personalised rehabilitation plan.
In the first three months following a stroke, patients typically enter and complete an inpatient rehabilitation program or make significant progress in outpatient therapy sessions. This period is crucial for recovery, and setbacks may occur, such as pneumonia, a heart attack, or a second stroke, which can impact the rehabilitation process.
The goal of physical therapy is to help individuals regain as much function as possible and develop compensation strategies for any remaining impairments. For example, a patient may learn to hold a toothpaste tube differently to accommodate a weak hand.
While improvements can continue beyond the six-month mark, they become much slower, and most stroke patients reach a relatively steady state. Therefore, it is essential to continue following up with the care team, including physical therapists, to maximise recovery and maintain long-term support.
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Speech-language therapy
Aphasia can manifest as Broca's aphasia, where individuals struggle to produce words or sentences longer than four words, often resulting in slurred or garbled speech. Alternatively, it can present as Wernicke's aphasia, where individuals can articulate words but struggle to comprehend their meanings, leading to irrelevant or nonsensical sentences.
Speech-language pathologists, also known as speech therapists, employ various techniques to enhance communication in patients with aphasia. This may involve one-on-one sessions or group settings, where individuals can practice communication skills in a low-stress environment. Group therapy can be particularly beneficial as it allows individuals to work on initiating conversations, taking turns, and clarifying misunderstandings.
Additionally, speech-language pathologists can recommend resources outside of therapy sessions, such as computer programs and mobile apps, to aid in relearning words and sounds. Props and communication aids, such as pictures, notecards with common phrases, or a small pad of paper and a pen, are also encouraged to enhance an individual's ability to express their thoughts.
- Breathing Exercises: Individuals with aphasia often experience difficulty regulating their breathing while speaking, making it challenging to speak at length and be understood. Breathing exercises help individuals learn to plan their breathing pauses as they re-learn sentence construction and proper breathing during speech.
- Tongue Strengthening Exercises: Tongue stretches and exercises strengthen the tongue muscle and improve an individual's ability to form words and sounds. These exercises also reinforce neural pathways and the "muscle memory" of speech that may be lost after a stroke.
- Practicing Speech Sounds: Aphasia patients often struggle with producing the right sounds and words. Focused practice on specific sounds and words can help exercise the mouth and tongue, improving their ability to form sounds and words clearly and loudly.
- Picture Naming: Individuals can quiz themselves by looking at pictures and practicing saying the word depicted. This exercise helps strengthen the connection between words and images, improving their speech and ability to form words.
- Sentence Practice: Many stroke patients can form singular words but struggle with constructing complete and correct sentences. Combining the picture-naming exercise with sentence formation can help individuals link speech to communication more effectively.
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Art therapy
Additionally, art therapy can improve physical functions. Holding art tools and manipulating materials can strengthen muscles and improve fine motor skills. Art activities can also enhance hand-eye coordination and stimulate the senses, providing a holistic approach to recovery.
The flexibility of art therapy allows for a range of activities to be tailored to the individual's needs and abilities, making it accessible to all stroke patients regardless of skill or experience. It can be a valuable complement to existing rehabilitation programs, addressing psychosocial and spiritual needs to support holistic recovery.
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Diet, exercise, and limiting alcohol consumption
Diet
Eating a heart-healthy diet is one of the brain-strengthening activities that can help in stroke recovery. A diet low in saturated fats and sodium can reduce blood pressure, which is a leading cause of stroke.
According to a study, diets rich in saturated fats can decrease levels of BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor) in the brain, leading to poorer neuronal performance. On the other hand, diets that include omega-3 fatty acids can increase the production of molecular systems that serve synaptic function.
Exercise
Physical activity is thought to benefit neuronal function by increasing BDNF levels and reducing oxidative stress. Exercise has been found to play a role in the regulation of neurite development, maintenance of the synaptic structure, axonal elongation, and neurogenesis in the adult brain.
Research suggests that exercise can improve coordination and balance, as well as boost emotional health.
Limiting Alcohol Consumption
Alcohol can raise blood pressure, which can increase the risk of stroke and impair brain function. Cutting back to a healthy limit or cutting it out entirely may boost brain performance after a stroke.
Drinking alcohol can also increase the impact of changes to your speech, thinking, vision, and balance caused by your stroke. If fatigue is an issue, alcohol may worsen it.
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Frequently asked questions
The brain has an extraordinary ability to heal itself after a stroke through a phenomenon called neuroplasticity. This refers to the brain's ability to reorganise neurons in response to learning or experience. To promote neuroplasticity, it is recommended that stroke survivors engage in repetitive practice of tasks involving affected functions. Speech and language therapy, brain exercises, and memory games can also help stimulate the brain and improve cognitive function.
Signs of stroke recovery include gaining independence in everyday activities, such as eating or dressing, needing less assistance with movement, and requiring more sleep due to increased neuroplasticity.
The first three months after a stroke are critical for recovery, with the most significant improvements typically occurring during this period. However, it is important to note that recovery can continue beyond this timeframe, albeit at a slower pace.
To lower the risk of another stroke, it is important to manage blood pressure through regular exercise, a nutritious diet, and prescribed medications. Weight management and taking recommended medications can also help reduce the risk of a recurrent stroke.
