Consultancy corner: Recovering from a stroke can be terrifying

In India, there are 154 cases per lakh every year. Every patient encounters their own set of challenges in terms of impairment, physical movement and rehabilitation. Recovering from a stroke requires not only the right care and support but also a lot of motivation to enable the patient to pick up right where they left off. Following a stroke, one may experience loss of speech, trouble with memory, reasoning and concentration and partial or complete paralysis. At the outset, knowing what to expect after a major stroke can go a long way in helping you prepare for the long journey ahead. While putting the right questions to a healthcare provider can give more clarity, here are some pointers you should know.

It is important to not let others’ stories demotivate you. Every stroke survivor’s story is different. So, let your experience unfold at its own pace as you deal with your impairment and the emotional trauma surrounding it. Do not let yourself fall into depression. Spending time with your loved ones or doing things that you did before the stroke can help keep your mood upbeat.

Accept your impairment but don’t give up

The level of impairment of each individual survivor is different and you alone can be the judge of your renewed capabilities. Work towards a gradual acceptance of the new normal. Knowing that this won’t happen overnight, begin your physiotherapy sessions with a positive outlook and without any set expectations in mind. While this is easier said than done, motivation and personal attention from your near and dear ones can make all the difference.

Proper diet and exercise

Good nutrition is crucial during any recovery period. Be sincere in maintaining your food habits and exercise routine. Make it a point to do all your exercises as prescribed by the therapist to ensure faster progress.

While some severely affected patients may require feeding tubes and respiratory assistance, others may require physiotherapy and occupational therapy. Depending on the condition of the patient, skilled nursing facilities or home care assistance may be sought.

Treatment options

Advances in medical science have brought in many innovations such as advanced neuroimaging, clot-dissolving drugs, and other high impact treatment methods that can bring better outcomes. Apart from medical treatment, most stroke patients require outpatient therapies for enhancing the quality of life. Physiotherapy is vital for recovery after a stroke and can make a lot of difference in restoring the quality of life. Even though recovery may take a long time, it is important to take regular physiotherapy sessions to work on your affected limbs. The therapist may suggest the use of tools such as a brace or a walker for assisted movement.

Speech therapy sessions address your language abilities (both verbal and written), cognitive abilities (concentration, memory and attention) as well as difficulties with swallowing. Occupational therapy is required to work on minute problems such as fine-motor skills that control daily activities, functional range, and social skill-building.

Stroke can leave you with a multitude of physical challenges and a whole lot of emotional trauma to deal with. Most stroke patients face problems with depression and loneliness as a result of restricted movement and lack of social interaction. Therefore, psychological counselling is an important part of any stroke rehabilitation programme.

Recovery from a stroke can be a huge challenge in itself. The road to recovery is a long and tedious one, that requires constant care and continued motivation. Apart from your loved ones, you can also reach out to support groups and online forums for enhanced motivation, social interaction and mutual sharing.

- Dr Vishal Sehgal, Medical Director, Portea Medical