What is a stroke?
In a stroke (CVA), part of the brain suddenly receives too little blood and therefore too little oxygen. There are two types:
- Ischaemic stroke: a blood clot blocks a blood vessel. This is the most common type.
- Haemorrhagic stroke: a blood vessel in or around the brain ruptures.
Important risk factors are high blood pressure, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, smoking and high cholesterol.
Immediate effects
The symptoms depend on the area of the brain affected: paralysis or loss of strength on one side, a drooping mouth, speech and language problems, and loss of vision. If you notice these signs: call the emergency number immediately (112 in the Netherlands). Every minute counts.
The acute phase
In hospital, a CT or MRI scan determines which type of stroke it is. In an ischaemic stroke, the clot can sometimes be dissolved with medication (thrombolysis) or removed with a catheter (thrombectomy). While still in hospital, the team assesses which rehabilitation is needed: at home with outpatient therapy, in a rehabilitation centre or in a nursing home with a rehabilitation unit.
The rehabilitation process
The multidisciplinary team
Rehabilitation after a stroke is teamwork. Depending on your situation, a rehabilitation physician, physiotherapist, occupational therapist, speech therapist and psychologist work together on a personal plan.
Physical rehabilitation
Physiotherapy focuses on strength, balance, walking and the movements of the arm and hand. Repetition and practising in everyday situations are central.
Speech and language therapy
A speech therapist helps with aphasia (language problems) and with swallowing problems.
Cognitive rehabilitation
Problems with memory, attention and planning are common after a stroke. You learn strategies to deal with them. Read more about cognitive rehabilitation after brain injury.
Occupational therapy
The occupational therapist helps you carry out daily activities as independently as possible again, such as getting dressed, cooking and showering, and advises on aids and adaptations at home.
Recovery and progress
Realistic expectations
Most progress is made in the first three to six months. After that, recovery often continues more slowly, sometimes for years. Do not compare yourself with others: every recovery is different.
Dealing with lasting limitations
Not everything comes back. Learning to live with lasting limitations is also part of rehabilitation. Aids, adaptations at home and practical agreements with the people around you help you stay as independent as possible.
Emotional recovery
Anxiety, low mood, frustration and fatigue are common after a stroke, also among loved ones. Psychological support and contact with fellow patients can help.
Complementary support
Do you still have symptoms after your rehabilitation, such as fatigue, concentration problems or slower thinking? Some people then choose complementary support. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is being studied in the chronic phase after a stroke; the first studies are small and HBOT is not an established conventional treatment for this. At The Oxygen Wellness Lab we discuss in a free intake consultation whether it suits you, and where necessary we first ask your doctor for approval. If you use blood thinners or have recently had a stroke, we always coordinate this with your care provider.
Also read about non-traumatic brain injury and how oxygen therapy works.
This information is general and does not replace medical advice. We are not doctors. If you have symptoms, always contact your GP or specialist.
