Three Steps to Stroke Recovery

Stroke can be devastating, but it is also treatable—and often preventable. Recovering from a stroke can involve making big changes to your lifestyle, but your health care team will work to help you become as healthy and independent as possible. Learn what to expect if you are recovering from stroke and how to prevent another stroke from happening.

Stroke happens when something blocks blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. When stroke happens, brain cells start to die within minutes because they can’t get oxygen. This can cause death or disability.That is why doctors say “time lost is brain lost” when it comes to stroke. The faster you can get treatment, the less brain damage you may have. Each year, nearly 800,000 Americans have a stroke. Yet many people who could benefit from emergency stroke treatment—a special clot-busting drug—don’t get it because they don’t arrive at the hospital in time.

Learn about the key steps to stroke recovery, including how to lower your risk for having another stroke.

National Emergency Medical Services Week is May 20–26, 2018. Learn 4 reasons why it’s better to call 9-1-1 than try to drive to the hospital when stroke happens.

Step 1: Recognize Stroke and Call 9-1-1

Many people do not realize when they are having a stroke. They may mistake their symptoms for something else, downplay their symptoms, or wait for their symptoms to go away. In fact, 1 in 3 people having a stroke does not call an ambulance. Not calling 9-1-1 greatly increases the risk for disability and death when you are having a stroke.

Learn to recognize stroke so you can act F.A.S.T. to get treatment.

Call 9-1-1 right away if you notice these symptoms in yourself or someone else:

Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body
Sudden confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding speech
Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance, or lack of coordination
Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Adrian Cushenberry was just 49 when he had a stroke while driving to work. A fitness enthusiast, he thought he was the last person who needed to worry about stroke. But he did not know he had a family history of stroke. Today, Adrian continues to work hard to recover his physical abilities after his stroke. He wants other stroke survivors to know they are not alone and that stroke is not where the story ends. “You have the opportunity to write the [next] chapter,” Adrian says. Learn more about Adrian’s story.

Step 2: Know That Stroke Can Change Your Life

Stroke is a major cause of disability in the United States. More than 7 million Americans have had a stroke, and many of them have problems walking, talking, and thinking as a result. Many people also have trouble with their emotions after a stroke, including depression. This may happen because the areas of the brain that control these actions and emotions have been damaged.

After a stroke, you may need to relearn how to talk or walk. You may need to take time off work or have someone help you at home to cook, bathe, or dress. This recovery process can be stressful and frustrating. That’s why it is so important to get to the hospital quickly when stroke happens. The sooner you get emergency treatment, the less brain damage you may have. This means a better, faster recovery.

Step 3: Take Steps to Prevent Another Stroke

After a stroke, your health care team may recommend medicines and a rehabilitation program to help you recover from stroke and prevent another stroke from happening. You may also need to make changes in your behaviors to help lower your risk for another stroke or other problems.

Medicines and rehabilitation therapy can help you recover. You may need to take medicines to thin your blood, prevent blood clots, lower blood pressure, or manage blood cholesterol. Your rehabilitation team may include physical or occupational therapists to help you relearn how to use your muscles and gain independence in daily activities, such as getting dressed and eating. You may also need to see a speech therapist, who can help you with problems speaking or understanding words. Social workers can help you find care services and caregiver support to continue your long-term recovery. Rehabilitation therapy may happen at a hospital, a stroke rehabilitation center, or your home.
Rehabilitation only goes so far. In addition to working with your health care team to take your medicines as directed and work with rehabilitation therapists, you may need to make other changes in your life. For example, if you smoke, you will need to quit smoking, you will need to eat less sodium, and you will need to commit to being more physically active. These changes can greatly reduce your risk of another stroke.
Recovery takes time. Having a support system in place, including your health care team, family, and friends, can improve your recovery experience and help you recover faster. Ask questions and reach out for help if you are struggling or need more resources.