Recovering from a Stroke
Strokes are a result of a temporary interruption of blood flow to the brain which is induced by blockage of the arteries. Stroke has grown to become the third leading cause of death in the in the United States taking the lives of 143,579 Americans per year. Additionally, there are 600,000 Americans who suffer a stroke each year and attempt to return to their daily activities with the devastating burden of the after affects of a stroke. The after effects of a stroke often leave patients disabled and unable to return to their routine lifestyle. The Stroke Center recently published an article which offered stoke patients advice for how they could attempt to best return to their daily routines and minimize the after effects of their stroke.
The key to returning to a routine life is quickly and effectively pursuing occupational therapy. Occupational therapy will help a stroke patient with daily acts of independence, like learning again how to wash, get dressed, and brush their teeth. Occupational therapy focuses on two main things: restoring independence and quality of life. Here are some of the key areas occupational therapists focus on:
Early therapy
It is important to purse occupational therapy immediately after a stroke while the patient is still in the hospital. While patients are in the hospital, their brain remains in its weakest state. If occupational therapy begins at the brains weakest state it provides the brain with the largest possibility for development.
Individual sessions
Therapy sessions must continue with one on one consultations. Just because a patient begins to display improvement in their ability to perform daily tasks does not mean their treatments should conclude. If the therapy is terminated, the patient has an 88% probability of losing their development since the stroke. Occupational therapy should continue to be an integral part of a stroke survivor’s daily routine for the duration of their life.
For more information and tips on how to return back to a routine life after a stroke visit the NorthShore University HealthSystem Live doctor chat as Dr Issam Awad will discuss “Hope for Stroke: How to Prevent It & Life After a Stroke.”
