Stroke Recovery

For people who have had a stroke, recovery may involve participating in a stroke rehabilitation program. In such a program, stroke survivors relearn skills lost when their brain is damaged and learn how to cope with any long-term disabilities caused by the stroke. Recovering from a stroke may also include treatment for the anxiety and depression that often affect stroke survivors. Other aspects of stroke recovery focus on preventing future strokes with such things as lifestyle changes (such as quitting smoking) and medications.

 

An Introduction to Stroke Recovery

There are millions of people who have survived a stroke, and many recover to lead full and productive lives.
 
During stroke recovery, your goals are to:
 
  • Recover to your fullest potential
  • Resume normal activities as much as possible
  • Prevent another stroke
  • Prevent complications.
     
After a stroke, you will need to see your doctor regularly for checkups and tests to see how your recovery is progressing. Your doctor will also most likely recommend participation in a stroke rehabilitation program (also known as stroke rehab). Depending on the type of stroke you have had, he or she may also recommend:
 
  • Lifestyle changes, which may include quitting smoking, changing your diet, and increasing your physical activity
     
  • Medications used to help prevent blood from clotting or to control stroke risk factors, such as high blood pressure and atrial fibrillation
     
  • A surgery or procedure to help decrease the chances of another stroke.
     

Stroke Recovery: Returning to Usual Activities

After a stroke, the ability to return to normal activities will depend on what part of the brain was affected and how much brain damage occurred from the stroke. You and your loved ones should talk to your healthcare provider about if and when you can return to activities such as:
 
  • Driving
  • Physical activity
  • Work
  • Sexual activity
  • Strenuous activities (running, heavy lifting, etc.)
  • Air travel.
     
For example, many states have laws regarding when you can return to driving following a stroke.
 
(Stroke Recovery Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
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