Stroke Recovery: Improving Dribbling And Regaining Control

A stroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the brain does not receive enough blood flow, causing brain cells to die from a lack of oxygen. This can lead to permanent brain damage or even death. One of the common effects of a stroke is dysphagia or swallowing problems, which can cause saliva to escape from the mouth. This is often due to damage to the parts of the brain that coordinate the many muscles involved in swallowing. Does dribbling from a stroke get better? Yes, it can improve, and most people are able to swallow safely again within the first few weeks. However, a small number of people may have long-term or even permanent difficulties.

Speech therapy can help improve muscle control

Speech therapy is a treatment that can help improve an individual's ability to talk and use language skills. It is often recommended for people who have suffered a stroke, as it can help to address any communication issues that may have arisen as a result of the stroke.

Speech therapy can be highly beneficial in improving muscle control, particularly when it comes to speech production. This is because speech production involves oral motor skills, such as tongue and mouth movements, as well as cognitive components such as word retrieval. By targeting these areas, speech therapy can help to improve an individual's muscle control and coordination, enabling them to speak more effectively.

One example of a speech therapy exercise that can improve muscle control is tongue movements. This involves sticking the tongue out, holding it for a couple of seconds, and then pulling it back in. This exercise helps train the tongue to move in coordinated patterns, which is essential for clear speech.

Additionally, facial movements can also improve oral motor skills. For instance, individuals can practice smiling in front of a mirror, holding the smile for a couple of seconds, and then relaxing their face. This exercise can be particularly useful for those who have had a stroke, as it can help them regain control over the muscles on one side of their face.

Another exercise that can be beneficial for stroke patients is puckering the lips. This involves puckering the lips together as if kissing, holding this position for a few seconds, and then relaxing. This exercise helps improve motor precision and control, which can be challenging after a stroke.

Furthermore, speech therapy can also include reading out loud. This activity helps strengthen the connection between the brain and mouth, which is often affected by a stroke. It also provides an opportunity to practice pronunciation and articulation, which may have been impacted by the stroke.

Overall, speech therapy offers a range of exercises that can help improve muscle control and coordination, particularly for individuals who have experienced a stroke. By targeting specific areas such as tongue and mouth movements, facial expressions, and reading aloud, speech therapy can help individuals regain their speech production skills and improve their overall communication abilities.

Physiotherapy and exercises can help with movement

Physiotherapy can help with movement after a stroke, and it is recommended that patients receive at least 45 minutes of each type of therapy they need per day. Physiotherapy can help patients learn to move and get around, and use their arms and hands in everyday activities. It can also help with muscle stiffness, spasticity, joint pain, and balance problems.

Physiotherapy can begin as early as 24 hours after a stroke, focusing on preventing complications and aiding recovery. It can help patients find ways to complete important tasks, such as getting in and out of bed, or doing sports. Physiotherapy can also help patients adapt activities so they can be done independently.

In the hospital, physiotherapy will begin on the stroke ward and progress to more active sessions in a rehabilitation area or physiotherapy gym. Patients may also be moved to a rehabilitation unit or receive support from a community rehabilitation team at home.

During physiotherapy, patients may do exercises to strengthen weak muscles and build stamina. Stretching exercises can reduce muscle and joint stiffness. Physiotherapy may also involve working on specific skills, such as standing up to improve balance or lifting the arm to improve movement.

In addition to one-on-one sessions with a physiotherapist, patients may also work with a physiotherapy assistant or in a group. They will also have activities to practise on their own outside of therapy sessions.

To help with movement, physiotherapy may involve the use of equipment and home adaptations. Physiotherapists and occupational therapists can provide walking aids, such as sticks or ankle splints, and teach patients and their families how to use them. They can also arrange for other equipment, such as a hoist to help patients get in and out of a chair or bed. Physiotherapists can also recommend home adaptations, such as ramps or wider doors.

Physiotherapy can also involve setting goals with the patient to help guide their treatment. These goals may be small at first, such as reaching for and grasping an object. Family members or carers can also be involved in rehabilitation sessions and can be taught how to help with daily tasks.

Cognitive behavioural therapy can help with anxiety and depression

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a form of psychological treatment that has been proven to be effective in treating a range of mental health issues, including anxiety and depression. CBT is based on several core principles, including the idea that psychological problems are rooted in faulty or unhelpful thought patterns and learned behaviours. The treatment usually involves efforts to change these thinking and behavioural patterns through a variety of strategies.

CBT has been shown to be highly effective in treating anxiety disorders. Exposure-based techniques are among the most commonly used CBT methods for anxiety. These techniques involve gradually exposing patients to feared stimuli or situations in a safe and controlled manner, allowing them to confront and overcome their fears. Cognitive therapy, another widely used approach, aims to identify and modify distorted thoughts and beliefs that contribute to anxiety. Research has found that both exposure therapy and cognitive therapy are effective in treating anxiety disorders, with some studies suggesting that combining these techniques may enhance outcomes.

CBT is also a well-established treatment for depression. It helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns, improve their problem-solving skills, and develop a more positive outlook. CBT can be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with medication. Several studies have shown that CBT is an effective treatment for depression, and it may reduce the risk of relapse compared to pharmacological treatment alone. Additionally, CBT can address various psychosocial problems that contribute to depression, such as marital issues or job stress.

Overall, CBT is a flexible and evidence-based approach that has been shown to be beneficial in treating anxiety and depression. It empowers individuals to challenge unhelpful thoughts and behaviours, improve their coping strategies, and enhance their overall well-being.

Cognitive rehabilitation can help with memory and concentration

Cognitive rehabilitation is a group of treatments that can help improve a person's ability to think after a brain injury or illness. It is based on the concept of neuroplasticity, which suggests that the brain can change and adjust throughout life by creating new connections or strengthening existing ones. The process of cognitive rehabilitation involves assessing cognitive functions, setting goals, and applying appropriate cognitive exercises to improve the cognitive function.

There are two types of cognitive rehabilitation: restorative rehabilitation and compensatory rehabilitation. Restorative rehabilitation involves practicing skills to improve them, such as memory exercises, problem-solving games, and mental exercises aimed at improving attention span. Compensatory rehabilitation, on the other hand, focuses on learning to work around deficits or injuries. This may include using smartphones, calendars, memory tools, and setting alarms to compensate for reduced cognitive function.

Cognitive rehabilitation can be beneficial for individuals with traumatic brain injuries, stroke, dementia, and even cancer, as these conditions can affect the brain and make it difficult for someone to think or process information. It can help improve social relationships, enhance communication skills, improve multitasking abilities, and increase independence.

The specific exercises and tasks performed during cognitive rehabilitation will be tailored to the individual's needs. For example, memory exercises using computer software or written worksheets may be used to challenge and improve memory. Other restorative cognitive rehab exercises include problem-solving games and motor dexterity tasks. As part of compensatory treatment, individuals may learn to use daily planners on smartphones and set reminders to stay focused and break down tasks.

Cognitive rehabilitation is a useful therapy to help people with brain injuries and illnesses improve their ability to think. It can help individuals practice skills to improve cognitive deficiencies or learn techniques to work around these issues.

Exercises can help improve problems with vision

Exercises to Improve Vision Problems after a Stroke

Vision problems are a common effect of strokes, with up to two-thirds of stroke victims experiencing some form of visual impairment. These issues can range from double vision, blurry vision, partial or full loss of vision, and problems with depth perception. Fortunately, vision can improve following a stroke, and eye exercises are an important part of rehabilitation. These exercises help to strengthen eye muscles and improve control, aiding recovery from eye injuries.

Eye-tracking exercises

One of the most effective ways to regain oculomotor control is to practice visual tracking. This can be done by holding a pencil about 18 inches from the face and slowly moving it from side to side, and then up and down, without moving the head. This can be repeated 5 times in each direction.

Near/Far Focusing

This exercise is ideal for those having trouble focusing their vision. Extend your arm and focus on your finger. Breathe in, then, as you breathe out, shift your gaze to a point in the distance. Repeat this 10 times.

Word or Letter Searches

Practicing word searches or letter searches is a great way to improve visual perceptual skills. These activities require visual tracking skills, as well as visual discrimination and attention. They can also help identify any visual field cuts or neglect.

Peripheral Vision Stimulation

Ask a caregiver to hold two pencils, one on each side of your face, and look at them using your peripheral vision. Then, ask the caregiver to move one pencil closer and one further away, and guess which is now closest. Repeat this 10 times.

Scanning exercises

Mark passages in a book with a red vertical line on the side where you have decreased vision. Read the book and either look for the red line at the beginning or end of the passage, depending on which side your vision is impaired. This will help improve visual field deficits.

Computer games

Online games and phone apps can be a fun and engaging way to improve your vision. Websites such as Eye Can Learn and Lumosity offer free games that can improve visual-tracking skills.

Frequently asked questions