Spotting Signs Of Stroke Progression: What To Know

Recognising the signs of a stroke and acting quickly is crucial and could be the difference between life and death. A stroke is a life-threatening condition that occurs when there is an interruption to the blood flow to the brain, causing brain cells to die from a lack of oxygen. Knowing how to identify a stroke and when to seek medical attention can be life-saving. This article will discuss the warning signs of a stroke, the importance of timely treatment, and what to do if you suspect someone is having a stroke.

Emotional changes

Post-stroke depression is also a common secondary effect, and can lead to decreased motivation to participate in rehabilitation, as well as increased fatigue. It is important to take depression seriously and seek treatment if you think you are experiencing signs and symptoms of depression.

In addition, post-stroke fatigue can play a major role in recovery, contributing to symptoms that seem to be worsening. This fatigue can include a decrease in both mental and physical energy levels, affecting the ability of a survivor to participate in daily or rehab activities.

Regression after stopping rehabilitation

• Stroke recovery is a complex and non-linear process, with patients often experiencing ups and downs. It is normal to take two steps forward and one step back, or even two steps forward and four steps back.
• To determine if regression is normal, look at the bigger picture. Ask yourself if there is an overall pattern of progress over time. Keeping a journal of daily activities, improvements, and energy levels can help identify patterns and track progress.
• If you experience a sudden and dramatic worsening of stroke symptoms, such as increased weakness, impaired speech, drooping of the face, or confusion, seek immediate medical attention. This could indicate a medical emergency.
• Discontinuing rehabilitation can lead to deterioration in functional abilities and worsening symptoms. Adhering to a rehabilitation plan is crucial for improving functional outcomes.
• The recovery process can be influenced by various factors, such as new medications, changes in routine or activity levels, overworking, emotional changes, and sleep disturbances.
• It is important to work closely with your therapy team to progress at a safe and steady pace. Consistency in rehabilitation and ample sleep are essential for stroke recovery.
• Regression after stroke is often temporary and can be managed by staying consistent with your rehabilitation plan and addressing any underlying factors contributing to the regression.

Overworking yourself

If you are overworking, you are likely to be experiencing fatigue, both mental and physical. This can lead to a lack of concentration, impaired judgment, and foggy memory. You may also find yourself developing a short temper and snapping at your partner or colleagues. This is because overwork causes stress, which can get in the way of healthy habits, such as eating well and exercising. It can also disrupt your sleep, which then has a knock-on effect on your energy levels and ability to concentrate.

Overworking can also cause or increase the risk of various health issues, including:

• Obesity
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Heart disease
• Mental disorders
• Type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Ulcers

If you are overworking, it is important to take steps to reduce your workload or improve your work-life balance. This might include setting clear boundaries, such as not working outside of your contracted hours, or delegating tasks. It is also beneficial to make time for self-care and ensure you are getting enough sleep.

If you have had a stroke, overworking can be particularly detrimental to your recovery. It is important to commit to a dedicated rehabilitation plan, but this does not mean pushing yourself too hard. Labour-intensive physical activity can lead to extreme tiredness, which can be a sign that your body needs time to recuperate. Pushing yourself too hard can lead to a decline in your progress and functional abilities.

Therefore, if you are recovering from a stroke, it is crucial to work closely with your therapy team to progress your exercises at a steady, safe rate. Be mindful that your brain is using up more energy as it is healing, and give yourself time to rest and recharge.

Changes in medication

Antithrombotics

Antithrombotics are a type of drug therapy that is commonly used to treat ischemic strokes, which are caused by blood clots. They work by preventing the formation of new blood clots, which can become stuck in an artery in the brain and cause strokes. This group of drugs includes antiplatelet and anticoagulant medications, also known as blood thinners. By stopping cells and other factors in the blood from sticking together and forming blood clots, antithrombotics help to prevent strokes and reduce the risk of future stroke occurrences.

Thrombolytics

Thrombolytics are another type of drug therapy used to treat ischemic strokes. They work by dissolving blood clots that are blocking blood flow to the brain. The most commonly used drug for thrombolytic therapy is tissue-plasminogen activator (t-PA). Starting treatment with t-PA within three hours of an ischemic stroke is crucial for optimising recovery. Getting to a hospital promptly allows time for a CT scan of the brain, which helps the doctor decide if thrombolytic therapy is the appropriate treatment choice.

Blood pressure management

High blood pressure is a significant risk factor for hemorrhagic strokes, which are caused by bleeding in or around the brain. Lowering blood pressure is, therefore, a critical aspect of treating hemorrhagic strokes. Reducing blood pressure limits bleeding and facilitates clotting, which seals the damaged blood vessel. Blood pressure management can involve medication and lifestyle changes, such as improving diet and incorporating regular exercise.

Reversal of medication that increases bleeding

In some cases, it may be necessary to reverse or adjust medication that increases the risk of bleeding. For example, if a patient is taking blood-thinning medication, a doctor may recommend adjusting the dosage or switching to a different prescription to reduce the risk of bleeding complications.

Changes in routine or activity levels

For example, if you have recently started exercising in the afternoon instead of the morning, you might notice that you are too tired to complete all your exercises. Alternatively, if you have been more active, you might find that you are pushing yourself too hard and need to scale back the intensity of your exercise.

It is important to be mindful that the brain takes up more energy as it is healing, so post-stroke fatigue is a common secondary effect of a stroke. This can include a decrease in both mental and physical energy levels, which can affect your ability to participate in daily or rehab activities.

Therefore, it is crucial to be consistent with your rehabilitation regimen. Working with your therapy team to progress at a steady, safe rate is the best way to rewire your brain and heal after a stroke.

Frequently asked questions