A Multi-Faceted Approach to Stroke Rehabilitation

Strokes are remarkably common, with approximately 15 million individuals worldwide suffering from a stroke each year. Moreover, there is a 1 in 4 likelihood that a person over the age of 25 will face this life-threatening condition at some point in their lifetime.

Strokes are often referred to as a "brain attack." Like a heart attack, this condition occurs when a particular organ fails to receive adequate blood flow. In the case of a stroke, it is not the heart that is deprived of oxygen, but rather a specific region of the brain that is not receiving the oxygen it needs.

“Strokes represent a critical medical emergency where every second is vital,” states Sam Penkala, M.S.O.T, O.T.R.L. “Swift medical intervention is essential to minimize the risk of permanent damage or fatality. The sooner a stroke is addressed, the greater the chances of achieving a full recovery without lasting disabilities.”

Sam is an occupational therapist at MyMichigan Health in Midland, and he witnesses firsthand the profound aftermath and devastation that strokes can inflict on patients.

"The presentation of a stroke can vary based on its type, location, and severity," Sam explains. "The age and health of the stroke survivor will also affect the rehab potential.”

The type of stroke may also impact rehabilitation.

There are two major types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic. In an ischemic stroke, blood is blocked and cannot get to the brain tissue. In a hemorrhagic stroke, the brain is bleeding, and the excess blood prevents proper oxygenation of the brain tissue.

“Since the brain is separated into many different areas, each with their own functions, the location of the brain injury will likely dictate the area that the survivor is affected or having trouble with,” explains Sam.

Most commonly, stroke survivors experience:

• Paralysis or hemiplegia, motion loss, tightness, or pain on one side of the body.
• Coordination loss.
• Loss of a variety of gross or fine motor skills.
• Loss of the ability to communicate either verbally or in writing.
• Reduced vision or visual perception, memory, attention, and executive functioning.

Stroke rehabilitation is crucial for recovery and can take various forms, including:

• Speech therapy: Helps regain cognition, memory and attention, language and speaking abilities, as well as control over muscles for breathing, eating, and swallowing.
• Physical therapy: Aids in improving the use of arms, legs, and balance, while addressing muscle weakness. Also work on balance, strength, mobility, flexibility and endurance.
• Occupational therapy: Retrains the brain for daily activities, enhancing precise hand movements and muscle control. Also work on adapting tasks, functional cognition, and memory.
• Cognitive therapy: Assists with memory issues and improves focus and concentration. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized treatment options.

While the duration of recovery and the time it takes to feel better following treatment can vary significantly based on numerous factors, your healthcare provider is the most qualified individual to inform you about what to expect and provide an estimated timeline for your recovery.

“It was once a commonly held belief that survivors stop improving six months after the stroke has occurred,” Sam explains, “But through constant research and new technology, we know that patients can continue making functional improvements years in the future.”