According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the 5th leading cause of death in the United States. The outcome of a stroke patient's recovery is affected by the type of stroke he or she suffered from. There are two most common types: Ischemic and Hemorrhagic stroke. 

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows that at least 87% of stroke patients experience an ischemic stroke, which is what happens when the artery has blood clots that block the blood supply or blood flow to the brain. A hemorrhagic stroke, on the other hand, occurs when the artery ruptures, opens, or leaks due to high blood pressure or an aneurysm.

Recovering from an Ischemic Stroke

Patients who have experienced ischemic stroke can recover rapidly in the first four months if they follow a carefully structured recovery plan in an inpatient neuro rehab. Depending on the severity, some patients may need further therapy sessions until their second year following the stroke. 

Their recovery process usually involves:

• Physical and occupational therapy - to regain their motor control and strength in the arms and legs. They will be asked to perform everyday tasks in a comfortable phase. 
• Speech therapy - about one-fourth of patients will need to undergo this recovery process to correct their linguistic impairments or their ability to understand what is being said to them. 
• Sensory therapy - the brain will need to be "retrained" after a stroke because the patient may have lost the ability to smell or taste.
• Psychological therapy - some patients may experience significant emotional struggles like anger, fear, anxiety, and depression and will need to undergo therapy to manage their mood disorders. This should be performed within the six months following the stroke, according to a study in BMC Neurology. 

Recovering from a Hemorrhagic Stroke

A patient who went through a hemorrhagic stroke will have a long and slow recovery. According to Harvard Health, only a minority of patients could make a complete or near-complete recovery within a month after the stroke. 

There are hemorrhagic stroke patients who might need to undergo surgery to repair the ruptured blood vessel, and even those with less severe strokes or who bled only small amounts may have to have life-long supportive care. Doctors may also recommend physical, occupational, or speech therapy, which can be undertaken as soon as the patient recovers from surgery. 

According to Behavioural Neurology, ischemic stroke patients have better outcomes of recovery than hemorrhagic stroke patients because the latter type of stroke can lead to higher pressure inside the blood vessels and damage to brain cells. Hemorrhagic stroke patients may also suffer from bowel and urinary problems post-recovery.

Maximize recovery potential

Recovering from a stroke is challenging, but there are ways to achieve the best possible outcome for patients. In addition to family support and patient willpower, signing up for a residential post-acute rehabilitation program is also essential. It enables patients to focus all their energy on their recovery with the guidance of trained and experienced medical personnel and staff.

Learn more about Neulife Rehab -  inpatient neuro rehab

NeuLife Rehabilitation is one of the largest brain injury and residential post-acute rehabilitation facilities specializing in rehabilitation for a wide range of catastrophic injuries. We are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) in Brain Injury Specialty Programs and Residential Rehabilitation.

We would like to inform you that NEULIFE REHABILITATION REMAINS OPEN AND DILIGENT THROUGH THE COVID-19 CRISIS. We remain open for business with the ability to admit those in need of ongoing Post-Acute Rehabilitation Services. Our priority is the safety of our patients and valuable team members.

Our professional staff make sure that you and your family are being taken care of by the best specialists in the area. We encourage you to find out more about our facility and our programs. If you have any questions at all, we are here for you. Call us or make a referral using our easy to navigate and convenient online form.

 We are looking forward to helping you achieve your recovery goals.

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.