What to expect after a stroke?

Surviving a stroke is just the beginning. We provide you with the tools to help you regain your independence. Stroke rehabilitation begins in the hospital, often within a day or two after a stroke. Rehab helps ease the transition from hospital to home and can help prevent another stroke. Recovery time after a stroke is different for everyone—it can take weeks, months, or even years. Some patients recover fully, but others may have long-term or lifelong disabilities.

If you have had a stroke, you can make great progress in regaining your independence. However, some problems may continue:

  • Paralysis (inability to move some parts of the body), weakness, or both on one side of the body
  • Trouble with thinking, awareness, attention, learning, judgment, and memory
  • Problems understanding or forming speech
  • Trouble controlling or expressing emotions
  • Numbness or strange sensations
  • Pain in the hands and feet that worsens with movement and temperature changes
  • Trouble with chewing and swallowing
  • Problems with bladder and bowel control
  • Depression

What is stroke rehabilitation?

Stroke rehabilitation can include working with speech, physical, and occupational therapists, which all have different focuses and goals.

  • Speech therapy helps people who have problems producing or understanding speech.
  • Physical therapy uses exercises to help you relearn movement and coordination skills you may have lost because of the stroke.
  • Occupational therapy focuses on improving daily activities, such as eating, drinking, dressing, bathing, reading, and writing.
  • Therapy and medicine may help with depression or other mental health conditions following a stroke; while joining a patient support group may help you adjust to life after a stroke. Talk with your health care team about local support groups or check with an area medical center.
  • Support from family and friends can also help relieve fear and anxiety following a stroke. Let your loved ones know how you feel and what they can do to help you.

How can I prevent another stroke?

If you have previously had a stroke, you are at high risk for another stroke. That’s why it’s important to treat the causes of stroke, including:

  • Heart disease
  • High blood pressure
  • Atrial fibrillation (fast, irregular heartbeat)
  • High cholesterol
  • Diabetes

Our medical experts prioritize the treatment of underlying causes such as heart disease, high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, high cholesterol, and diabetes through a combination of medication, dietary adjustments, exercise, and adopting a healthy lifestyle. In some cases, surgery may be recommended to further mitigate risks.

At MCMH + Clinics, we are committed to your well-being and strive to provide the comprehensive care necessary for your post-stroke journey, enabling you to lead a fulfilling and healthy life.