Knowledge of how the brain recovers after a stroke is limited and we still have a lot to learn. Some brain cells may only be temporarily damaged not killed, and may resume functioning. In some cases the brain compensates for the damaged cells and re-organises its functioning. Sometimes, another region of the brain takes over from a region damaged by stroke.
Recovery varies from person to person – some may make a complete recovery, while others may be left with some disabilities or difficulties in some areas. Some people often make a lot of recovery during the first year, but recovery can continue long after this. The recovery time is different for each person but generally takes longer with more severe strokes. Recovery is a gradual process as the brain takes time to heal.
Rehabilitation can help this recovery. Rehabilitation is about getting your normal life back and achieving the best level of independence you can. This is done by:
When does Rehabilitation start?
Rehabilitation should start soon after you are admitted to hospital and continue throughout your hospital stay. Once you are stable you will be assessed by a rehabilitation team.
The rehabilitation team includes:
What is included in Rehabilitation?
Rehabilitation includes help with skills such as:
The programme varies
The rehabilitation programme will vary from person to person depending on the symptoms. Different members of the stroke team will work with you to improve skills in a variety of areas.
Setting goals
The stroke team will try to get a clear understanding of what your life was like before your stroke by speaking to you, your family and your carers. All team members should work together with you to set goals in your rehabilitation so that you may get back to doing the things you enjoyed before the stroke.
Effort is key
It is vital that you put the most effort you can into rehabilitation to increase your chances of a better recovery. Rehabilitation is an ongoing process and for some may take many years.
Research suggests that the best in-patient care for stroke is provided in a stroke unit or comprehensive rehabilitation unit. However some hospitals do not have specific rehabilitation wards so you may be cared for in a general medical ward.
Know your discharge plan
When you are ready to leave hospital the team working with you will develop a care plan to help you when you go home. This is often called discharge planning.
The plan will include arrangements for you to receive any care you need at home, equipment and support to link in with services which are available in the community. Members of the rehabilitation team will discuss decisions about the different stages of your rehabilitation with you and your family. If not, you should ask questions, so you understand the plan for the future.
Depending on the severity of the stroke, your rehabilitation options include:
If indicated, each patient should receive a minimum of 45 minutes of rehabilitation 5 – 7 days a week for as long as it is needed. This should include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, clinical psychology, speech and language therapy and nutrition and dietetic input provided by both hospitals and community based teams.
Not everyone requires this level of rehabilitation. The amount and intensity of rehabilitation is determined on an individual basis. Some services may not be able to offer this level of intensity due to restrictions such as staffing and other resources. A number of rehabilitation and support services are restricted to patients by age cut-off points.
Before you leave hospital you should have a full needs assessment. A social worker should be involved in providing information on services and supports that will be available when you leave hospital.
Whether you are leaving hospital to go home or to a nursing home, you should have access to the care you need.
Services, medication, support groups.
When you are ready to leave hospital, you should be given information about your rehabilitation, medication and treatment. You should be told about community services, including support groups which are available. This information should also be given to those supporting you when you leave hospital.
Your GP should be informed
Members of your stroke team will talk to your General Practitioner (GP) about your requirements and medicine. Your GP and public health nurse etc should continue to monitor you medically with your stroke doctor.
Continue your rehab
You should continue to have rehabilitation after you leave hospital if you need it. Your rehabilitation should only finish when you have reached your goals or when you have made all the improvements possible.
Know your stroke team details
You should be given the contact details for your stroke team, in case you have any questions after you leave hospital.
Recovery from stroke will require a team to work together. In some parts of the country not all of the people that make up a stroke team will be available.
The GP – is the doctor you see most regularly after you leave hospital. The GP will look after any problems, make sure your medicine is working correctly and may refer you to a hospital consultant or to therapists when you need specific help.
Public Health Nurse – gives useful advice on managing any difficulties you have in your basic care at home. The Public Health Nurse can also provide you with practical aids and help to arrange personal care if you need it. The Public Health Nurse carries out a Nursing Assessment, Nursing Interventions are provided and referral onwards as required.
Physiotherapist – helps you with your physical recovery to enable you to regain as much movement as possible. Often, the Physiotherapist will help you to do exercises to improve your mobility, balance or use of your affected arm and will give advice about the best positions for you to sit and sleep in.
Occupational Therapist (OT) – works to help you become as independent as possible in your daily life, including working, socialising, leisure activities and driving. If you are having a difficulty in any of these areas the OT will work with you to put together a treatment programme. The OT may also visit your home to see what alterations or equipment you may need to assist you to be as independent as possible.
Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) – works with you on any speech and communication difficulties you are having, and helps you to find the best way of communicating with friends and family. The SLT may also give you exercises to improve your speech and use of words and language. The SLT will also help you to manage any problems swallowing your food and drink.
Dietitian – looks at your diet and nutritional requirements. The Dietitian will monitor what you are eating and will advise you about the food and drinks, which suit your particular needs. They will give you advice to help you maintain a healthy lifestyle. If you need to receive all or part of your nutrition by a feeding tube, the Dietitian will devise a suitable feeding plan to meet your needs and will monitor your progress.
Social Worker – works to help you and your family with the emotional impact of your stroke. The Social Worker will support you and provide a link to all the different therapists and medical professionals you are working with. They can also refer you to services that you might find helpful and give you advice in areas such as your finances, employment, housing or care needs.
Clinical Psychologist – helps you to improve your thinking skills, such as attention span, memory and reasoning and help you to adjust to the big changes which the stroke may have on your day-to-day life.
Family and friends – support and encourage you during the different stages of recovery, and help you build up your confidence and encourage you to be as independent as possible.
Stroke rehabilitation works and helps people for common physical problems such as:
The Physiotherapists and Occupational Therapists (OT) will assess your ability to move in the first few days and start therapy as soon as possible.
Assessment and treatment planning is vital, this should happen in the hospital soon after your stroke. The therapy will then be tailored to your specific needs depending on the level of weakness in your limbs. It may include:
Starts small, then builds up.
The treatment may start by you trying to do small guided movements and practising simple tasks. As your strength is built up these movements will become larger and the physiotherapist will introduce more complicated exercises to encourage both sides of your body to work together. This will prevent you from overusing the side of your body that is unaffected by the stroke.
Family members and physiotherapist
Your family members may be involved in the treatment so they can help you with your exercises at home. The physiotherapist may also show your carer or family member safe ways to help you move in bed or to walk. The physiotherapist may give you an individual exercise programme to help your muscles work as well as possible.
Swallowing difficulties and help
Dysphagia is the medical term for difficulties swallowing. Difficulties swallowing are common in the first few days after stroke. You may find it hard to eat or drink. A swallow test is one of the first hospital assessments; initially it involves seeing if you can swallow a little bit of water without choking or coughing.
Due to brain damage caused by stroke, eating and drinking may be difficult, as the muscles of chewing and swallowing may be weakened especially in the early stages.
Feeding tube in the early stages
It is common to have a feeding tube in the early stages, to provide nutrition, fluids and medication until it is safe to eat and drink. These tubes can be placed either through the nose or through the abdomen. These tubes can be easily removed if and when the dysphagia resolves and you are taking an adequate diet. You may have an x-ray of your throat to see what your swallowing difficulties are and what types of food and drink are safe for you to eat.
Special swallowing therapy
The Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) will also provide special swallowing therapy and advice to help you eat and drink safely. The SLT will teach you how to sit correctly and proper eating methods to prevent food and drink from getting into your windpipe. In severe cases, a feeding tube will have to remain in order for you to get a nutritious diet.
Communication difficulties and help
After a stroke you may have problems communicating with others because you do not understand the words that they are saying, or because you cannot find the right words to express yourself fully.
Some people may completely lose the ability to speak, but can still understand what is being said to them. The ability to read and spell and write may also be affected. When a person has problems understanding and using words and sentences which affect his / her ability to communicate, this problem is called aphasia.
Some common difficulties / features of aphasia are:
Slurred or difficult to understand speech
For others speech may become slurred and difficult to understand because the nerves and muscles of speech have been damaged. Sometimes one side of the face and tongue is paralysed or weak and can affect speech. This problem is called dysarthria.
Speech and language therapy can help you to recognise words or find other ways to communicate, like using gestures, word-and-picture charts, symbols and computers. The SLT will also show your family and friends ways of communicating with you which make it easier to get your message across.
Emotional problems and help
The two most common psychological conditions found in people after a stroke are:
These may be caused by the change in your life from the stroke or by the damage caused to your brain by the stroke itself. Feelings of anger, despair, frustration and grief are all normal for people who have had a stroke. Life changes that follow a stroke such as changes to relationships, work, finances and dealing with the loss of abilities and confidence can lead to anxiety and depression.
Do not suffer alone, ask for help and expertise.
If you are experiencing these problems, do not suffer alone. Both depression and anxiety can be treated using psychological therapies where you can learn to cope with and understand these feelings.
Contact your GP or medical social worker to get a referral to a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist for expert advice.
Nutrition and help with your weight
A dietitian will advise you to make sure you are getting the best nutrition to help you recover. The nutritionist or dietitian will make sure that your dietary needs are met by assessing your nutritional requirements, monitoring what food you eat and educating you on the type of food and drink more appropriate for your needs.
If you need a feeding tube, either because you have a swallowing problem or you’re not eating enough, the dietitian will instruct what feeding plan is most appropriate for your needs. She will monitor your nutritional status and adjust the plan as you improve.
Your weight
Weight changes can happen after a stroke so it is important that you look after your diet when you leave hospital. A healthy balanced diet may help you prevent another stroke. If you have diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure, remember to follow your diet plan.
Some practical tips for you to maintain a healthy stable weight are:
If you need more advice on your diet, ask your GP or hospital consultant to refer you to a dietitian.
Visual problems and therapy to help
Stroke may causedouble vision, blurred vision or partial blindness. Some people cannot see to the left or right and this causes difficulty with balance, co-ordination or recognising familiar things or people.
Bladder and bowel control advice
It is common for people to have difficulty controlling their bladder or bowel after a stroke. This is known as incontinence. For many people this control will come back over time.
Occasionally, a tube (catheter) may need to be inserted to help drain the bladder. If this is needed, it should be done every now and then rather than inserted for long periods of time.
Dealing with day-to-day activities
The problems with movement, coordination and perception following a stroke can make it difficult to perform everyday tasks like washing, dressing, eating and going up stairs. The occupational therapist (OT) and physiotherapist work to help you become as independent as possible in your activities of daily life, leisure activities, working, driving and socialising to the best level possible.
How the Occupational Therapist can help you
If you have cognitive problems following your stroke such as, problems thinking, remembering and concentrating, the OT will work with you to improve these things. This may involve:
You may find that you have difficulty with some day-to-day activities. By talking to your care team, you can find ways to make them easier.
Standing and walking – can be made easier with shoes which offer good support and rearranging the furniture in your home. Walking up and down stairs can be difficult, but fitting handrails or a stair lift can make it easier. Some may also need to use a stick, a walking frame or a wheelchair. If needed, an OT can advise you about the use of a wheelchair.
Getting out of chairs/bed – standing up from sitting in chairs or getting out of bed can be difficult. OTs can advise on the best types of chairs and mattresses. Your physiotherapist can show you the best transfer technique to help you move about.
Dressing – putting on and taking off clothes may be difficult. Simple procedures can make dressing easier, such as putting your weak arm or leg into clothes first and using shoehorns.
Feeding – sometimes using a knife and fork may be clumsy or awkward. Using utensils with thick handles can help, as can non-slip mats which prevent the plate from moving around the table.
Washing and grooming – again there are many simple tips an OT can give you which will may make it easier, such as using a free standing shower.
Going to the toilet – if your toilet is upstairs and you find it difficult to walk, you might use a commode or move your toilet downstairs. You might also need to have rails fitted in the bathroom. Talk to your public health nurse and your OT about what you could do.
Applying for a grant – Many of the adaptations to your home or the equipment you require can be purchased using a Housing Adaptation Grant. These grants are provided by your Local Authority. Ask your Social Worker about how you could apply for a grant.
Support in your home
After your stroke, you might need to get extra help around the house or with your personal care. There are different services in different areas, but may include:
Sometimes a person may need more care than they can receive at home. If this is the case, your social worker can help you to think about the type of care which would be suitable for you, from sheltered accommodation, to residential care in a nursing home to 24-hour nursing care.
There are organisations in the community which can help you as you settle in to your life after stroke.
Day hospitals
Day hospitals are generally in the grounds of a larger hospital. They care for mainly older people who are well enough to live at home but who need regular medical care or the services of the hospital therapists. When you leave hospital arrangements may be made for you to go to the day hospital if this is necessary.
Day centres
Day centres do not provide medical care and generally do not have therapists providing rehabilitation. They provide an important social outlet – the opportunity to meet other people who have had a stroke or other illnesses, and may offer activities such as painting, swimming, and outings.
Stroke support groups
Support groups help people who have had a stroke to meet up and discuss common issues. Groups often meet once a week and many also organise social activities and outings. Find out more about our Stroke Support Groups.
Financial support – find out what you’re entitled to
Many people who have had a stroke will be entitled to receive social welfare payments. Payments are made by the Department of Social and Family Affairs and the Health Service Executive (HSE).
You can qualify for certain payments if you are sick for just a short time. For other payments you need to show that you have an illness or disability that will last longer than one year.
You should discuss your entitlements with your Social Worker. He / she can help you to contact your local social welfare office or local health office. You can also receive information on the different types of payments and grants available from the Citizens Information Service.
Sex after stroke
Sex is an important and normal part of people’s lives. It is natural that you feel concerned about whether you will be able to have sex after a stroke. You may be worried about whether you will be physically able to have sex or you may be concerned about changes to your appearance which make you feel less attractive. Low mood and depression may also affect your desire for sex.
The good news is that the ability to have sex is rarely damaged by a stroke and sex is unlikely to cause another stroke. At the same time it might take a while to get back to a satisfying sexual relationship and you might have to make some changes, depending on how your stroke has affected your physical movement.
It is very normal to have questions about sex and you should discuss any concerns you have with a member of your care team.
Getting back to work?
Once you have begun to recover and have developed ways of managing the difficulties caused by your stroke, you might start to think about going back to work.
It may be possible for you to return to work part or full time, or maybe to a different job with your previous employer, or even a new job with a new employer.
You should talk to the relevant members of your care team about the best way to approach your employer about going back to work.
The law says that employers must make reasonable adjustments to help you to return to work after your stroke. They may need to make some adaptations to your workplace, such as getting a new type of office chair or a computer. You may also need to change the way you work if, for example, your stroke has affected your ability to manage equipment which is relevant to your job.
If you will not be returning to your previous employer you could undertake a vocational assessment to think about what type of job you would like to do. Talk to your OT who will be able to provide you with information about what assessment services are available.
Caring for the Carers
As you move on from your stroke you will hopefully continue to receive support and care from your family and friends.
You will probably want to support your carers in their caring role. You can encourage them to take time for themselves to do the things they enjoy and to talk to and get involved with organisations which support carers.
You could also use respite services where you will receive care for a short period in a respite centre and your carers can take a short break from their caring duties.
Tips for helping with your rehabilitation
It is important to focus on your recovery and stay as positive as possible. Here are a few things to keep in mind along the way.
And remember, as always, you can call our National Stroke & Heart Helpline on Freephone 1800 25 25 50 if you have any queries or concerns. Also, please view our resources section for useful contact details for Stroke Support Groups, carers and other organisations who can help you every step of the way too.
Good luck on your recovery, always be open to asking for help.
Stroke – What is stroke? Learn all about the symptoms, causes, prevention, diagnosis and the recovery process. View our Stroke article in our A-Z conditions section.
Ways To Live Life Better – View our range of booklets with advice and tips on everything from Being Active, to reducing Alcohol, Healthy Eating, managing Stress and more.
Stroke Support Groups – learn more about the groups all over Ireland where you can talk to others and share advice. If you are interested in joining a Stroke Support Group please contact the Irish Heart Foundation at advocacy@irishheart.ie or phone Helena on 01 634 6925.
Irish Heart Foundation Stroke Support
Connect to nationwide group for stroke patients
Tel: 01 6685001
Email: support@irishheart.ie
Family Carers Ireland
Services nationwide for family Carers.
Tel: 057 9322920
Email: info@familycarers.ie
Website: www.familycarers.ie
Brí Ireland
Brí Ireland is an acquired brain injury charity that supports and advocates for all those with acquired brain injury. They run a number of support groups around the country.
Tel: 01 235 5501
Email: info@briireland.ie
Website: www.briireland.ie
Acquired Brain Injury Ireland
Community-based support and rehabilitation services for people affected by acquired brain injury.
Tel: 01 280 4164
Website: www.abiireland.ie
Headway
Specialise in brain injury rehabilitation after illnesses such as strokes. They try to assist people to rebuild their skills and confidence to achieve the best quality of life that they can. They don’t charge for their services.
Tel: 1890 200 278
Email: info@headway.ie
Website: www.headway.ie
National Rehabilitation Hospital, Dun Laoghaire
Tel: 01 235 500
Website: www.nrh.ie
Citizens Information Centres
Information, advice and advocacy on a range of public and social services.
Lo call 1890 777 121 or 021 452 1600.
Website: www.citizensinformation.ie/en/
