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Does the brain recover after a stroke?

For such a complex organ as the brain (hereinafter referred to as the brain), necrosis of a certain area will in any case result in severe disorders and the development of neurological failure.

After suffering a stroke, the neurocells that regulate almost all functions of the human body die, which is why the rehabilitation process is so delayed.

Taking this into account, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the characteristics of stroke patients and the first symptoms of this disease.

What signs warn of an initial stroke?

If you have hypertension in your family, you should remember the symptoms listed below. If necessary, they will help to identify the onset of a cardiovascular accident in time:

1. The first sign (symptom) that indicates the possibility of manifestation of an attack of acute insufficiency of blood supply to the brain is that it provokes to a greater extent organic damage or vasoconstriction of the blood vessels of the central nervous system.
2. Decreased visual acuity, darkening of the viewed area.
3. Sharp pain in the belt area of ​​the free upper limbs.
4. Another symptom characteristic of the nosology under consideration is neck stiffness. The etiological component of this condition can easily be obstruction of one of the blood vessels supplying nutrients and oxygen to this area. Paroxysmal headache of increased intensity.
5. Paresis or paralysis of a certain area of ​​the body is the most prognostically unfavorable sign of brain tissue necrosis of all those listed.

Brain recovery after a stroke is a relative concept, because everyone knows perfectly well that nerve cells do not recover (more precisely, they are restored, but this happens very slowly - the smallest necrotic focus in the brain cortex would be “rebuilt” by the body over the course of decades). And there is nothing left to do but to recover from the stroke of stroke by the patient by loading the surviving neurons - after all, they will have to take on all the functions that were performed by their dead cellular “brothers”.

And in fact, it will be possible to restore a person by implementing this mechanism. It has been scientifically proven that when neurocell activity is stimulated, more neurotransmitters are released, which causes the formation of more synapses (contacts between the bodies and processes of neighboring nerve cells).

What happens during the recovery process?

The physiological mechanism of rehabilitation at the molecular level is as follows: at the very beginning, neurocells that are in close proximity to the site of the stroke are restored after a stroke, begin to intensively accumulate nutrients and “accelerate” the speed of metabolic processes. This phenomenon is not difficult to explain, because they take over the functions of the necrotic area, which means that the synaptic network must develop.

Everything is logical - the higher the metabolism, the more intense the circulation of neurotransmitters and their transmission along the processes of nerve cells. Accordingly, neuroglia grow, there are more synaptic contacts, and compensation (even partial) of lost functions occurs.

But that's all - the process is very slow, it is impossible to give an exact time frame, often it takes more than one year.

The essence of the rehabilitation process after a stroke basically consists of learning almost all, even the most basic, skills and actions: a person has to relearn how to take care of himself independently, and sometimes even recover. Almost all victims of a cardiovascular accident have to learn again to read, count, dress, and use basic household items.

Rehabilitation after ischemic stroke

If a nerve cell of the brain dies from insufficient supply of nutrients, this leads to additional intoxication of the body, which somewhat complicates further treatment, and, as a result, rehabilitation. The key point in this case will be to restore the supply of nutrients to nearby areas so that lost functions can be restored.

It is logical to assume that the main direction of rehabilitation will be drug treatment using nootropics and other metabolic drugs, the effect of which has a positive effect on the blood supply to neurocells.

Neurologists classify post-stroke rehabilitation into early (the first 6 months after the attack), late (from six months to a year) and residual (work with patients whose pathology remains active for more than 12 months). Experts unanimously assure that the effectiveness of ongoing activities is directly proportional to how long ago they began. The key approach to determining a rehabilitation program is the most affected segment of the neurological regulatory system (for example, for problems with sensitivity, one program is developed, for the disappearance of the ability to perceive verbal speech, another).

Rehabilitation after hemorrhagic stroke

Rehabilitation afterward is a whole complex of various activities, the specifics of which are aimed at returning to the classical way of life, i.e. to the level of physiological activity that the patient had before the onset of the nosology. Absolutely all patients with SAH, without exception, need rehabilitation measures.

When recovering from a hemorrhagic stroke, the patient’s family is of great importance, as they are able to provide moral support and strengthen his spirit. We should not lose sight of the fact that the most important component of successful rehabilitation is love, warmth, human concern and attention.

Returning a person to his former life after necrosis occurs due to massive hemorrhage into the GM cells is very, very problematic.

Naturally, many people have a logical question as to why it is so easy to recover after blood has entered the subarachnoid space or into the brain parenchyma, because in the case of both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, cell necrosis occurs. In fact, the lesion in a hemorrhagic type of pathology is likely to be much more widespread than in a cerebral infarction. In addition, it is more prone to spread.

Restoration of motor functions

It is advisable to begin work on the rehabilitation of motor activity from the first days after the ONMC manifesto. It all starts with placing the sore limbs in a certain position. At the same time, they are secured with the help of a splint or sandbags. The dominant role in restoring motor activity of the limbs belongs to the exercise therapy complex. Methods of its implementation, in addition to position therapy, gymnastics with passive exercises and learning to walk, include special sets of exercises that are aimed at different muscle groups. Massage is no less important.

The use of modern biofeedback simulators, as well as verticalization systems, is relevant - their use allows you to significantly reduce the time required for the rehabilitation of motor skills.

At home, people also undergo rehabilitation and take medications, thanks to which they can achieve what was not done in terms of restoring lost functions in a medical institution. It is clear that only with the help of medication it will not be possible to fully restore motor activity - it is necessary to perform a whole set of exercises, however, the patient makes the main progress in this direction in a specialized rehabilitation center, where there is all the necessary equipment. At home, he simply “polishes” his restored skills.

Vision restoration

With trophic damage to the visual centers, complete restoration of visual function is possible in about a third of cases - very often one has to deal with complete loss of vision, and sometimes with a significant decrease in its acuity.

In such conditions, it means, first of all, gymnastics for the eyes. A popular exercise is to watch an object being moved up and down, which is placed approximately 40–43 cm from the patient’s eyes. What is important is that the patient must follow him without turning his head. But all this is advisable only in case of partial loss; it is not possible to cure total blindness in principle.

Many people consider it a real panacea for restoring lost functions of the nervous system after a stroke. In fact, this kind of approach is very far from the truth.

Understand correctly, there is no way to influence a neuron affected by the necrotic process - the cell has died and been replaced by connective tissue, and a scar has formed. Regardless of whether the right or left side is affected, traditional medicine can only have an auxiliary value both in the treatment process and in the rehabilitation of patients who have suffered a stroke.

Speech restoration

Speech is almost the only function that can be rehabilitated after a stroke and after a year. In some situations, the process drags on for several years. Working with a speech therapist will provide an opportunity to strengthen the muscular system of the tongue and face, and will also allow you to learn to make sounds and pronounce syllables in a new way. For patients who have dysarthria, exercises in front of a mirror are recommended.

You should communicate with such patients very clearly and slowly, show patience and provide time to be able to formulate an extremely clear and intelligible answer.

The introduction of medications to restore the ability to express one’s thoughts verbally is of great importance, but the main recommendation in this case is classes with a speech therapist. It is worth emphasizing once again that medications are important and allow normalizing the blood flow of the affected area of ​​the brain, however, in order for the patient to be able to speak normally again and perceive speech addressed to him, the main recommendation would be a combination of speech therapy exercises with psychological training, where the patient will be instilled with faith in myself.

Memory recovery

It is almost impossible to rehabilitate memory and the ability to record events during a stroke, which is localized in the temporal lobe (and it does not matter at all which side is affected by the necrotic process - right or left). This is due to the anatomical and physiological characteristics of the brain.

Another condition that must be taken into account when rehabilitating memory is that you should never mislead a recovering patient and try to confuse him with provocative questions (for example, assuring him of things that never happened, in the hope of getting a negative answer). In this case, he will have to rebuild his thoughts many times, which will negate all his efforts.

Memory restoration after stroke and normalization of the functioning of the cognitive activity of the brain is carried out over a long period under the tireless supervision of doctors and rehabilitation specialists.

In addition, the role of the patient’s family members is great in this, because they are responsible for consolidating the results obtained in a specialized rehabilitation center.

How to recover after a stroke at home?

The mechanism of operation of the GM is fundamentally different from the principles of operation of the spinal cord - if in the latter case everything is based on the arcs of unconditioned reflexes, then in the first the main role is played by the VND. Accordingly, rehabilitation is carried out by stimulating this particular function - a person must be forced to think, analyze, communicate and perform various tasks. Impact on organic structures is a necessary component of recovery, but we must not forget about the stimulation of consciousness by external stimuli. This is exactly what they do, providing partial or even complete restoration of functions that were lost due to a stroke.

This is possible only in cases where both the patient and his family are actively interested in the rehabilitation process, and do everything necessary to ensure that it proceeds as quickly as possible.

Folk remedies

Brain functions cannot be restored by traditional medicine. Herbal medicines can only have an auxiliary value. And even in this case, their use should be coordinated with the attending physician, since even a seemingly harmless herbal preparation can cause serious complications of an allergic nature.

In no case should you replace traditional medicine with drugs prescribed by a doctor - understand correctly, all traditional medicine does not have even a basic evidence base.

But it’s very good to use herbs and infusions as supporting agents - especially if it is necessary to provide a slight sedative effect.

Article publication date: November 24, 2016

Article updated date: 12/18/2018

From this article you will learn: what is included in rehabilitation after a stroke at home, how each stage of recovery should proceed. What you need to do to recover as quickly as possible.

All patients who have suffered a stroke have disturbances in the functioning of the nervous system. It can be minor (for example, prolonged speech or slight weakness of the arm and leg) and severe (complete lack of movement, speech, blindness). In any case, after discharge from a medical institution, stroke patients should undergo full rehabilitation at home.

The main task of rehabilitation is to restore damaged nerve cells or provide conditions for healthy brain neurons to take over their function. In essence, a person has to relearn how to sit, talk, walk, and perform subtle manipulations. This takes months, years, and sometimes decades. Without rehabilitation, it is impossible to adapt to a full life. Since a person cannot constantly be in a hospital or rehabilitation center, basic recovery is carried out at home.

The principles from this article are relevant for patients who have suffered a stroke of any severity, ischemic or hemorrhagic.

Rehabilitation for a hemorrhagic stroke lasts longer than for an ischemic stroke, but in all other respects these rehabilitations are the same.

Five directions of rehabilitation

1. General patient care measures: proper nutrition, hygiene procedures, skin care and prevention of bedsores.
2. Restoration of movements.
3. Memory restoration.
4. Speech restoration.
5. Maintenance drug therapy.

In this article we will look at points 2, 3 and 4 - what the patient mainly does at home himself. The first point is more relevant for those who care for bedridden patients, and medications are completely prescribed by the doctor.

Four stages of rehabilitation

1. Maintaining the most important functions on which life depends.
2. Training in basic self-care skills.
3. Teaching general motor, speech and intellectual skills, creating conditions for their restoration (the ability to sit, move around, walk).
4. Training in fine limb movements, professional skills, full speech and other abilities.

Six General Principles of Rehabilitation

Main tips and rules for the recovery period:

Movement restoration

The first direction of rehabilitation after a stroke is to restore movement. Considering that 95% of stroke patients have paresis and paralysis of varying degrees, everything depends on it. If a person becomes more active, blood circulation throughout the body will improve, the threat of bedsores will disappear, he will be able to independently provide for basic needs - all other lost abilities will be restored faster.

General rules of exercise therapy for restoring movements after a stroke:

Exercises for patients in a supine position

Elementary exercise therapy as part of rehabilitation at home is indicated for patients who have suffered a severe ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. All of them are forced to lie down and have severe unilateral paralysis (increased tone, flexion of arms and legs).

Suitable gymnastics could be like this:

1. Consistently perform flexion-extension movements with each hand, and then rotational (circular) movements: with your fingers (clenching a fist, unclenching a fist), hands in the wrists, forearms in the elbows, the whole hand in the shoulder. Perform similar movements with each part and joint of the leg (toes, ankle, knee, hip joint).
2. Exercises with a towel. Hang the towel over the bed, grab it with your hand, perform any movements with this hand (with the towel): bend at the elbow while lying on your back, move it to the side from a position on your side.
3. Lying on your back, bend your knees and hips, placing your feet on the bed. Grab your shins with your hands above the ankle joints. Helping with your hands, bend and straighten your leg at the knee without lifting your foot from the bed so that it slides along it.

Gymnastics in a sitting position

The purpose of the exercises performed while sitting is to expand the range of movements of the arms, strengthen the back muscles, and prepare them for walking:

1. Sit on the edge of the bed with your legs down. With your arms apart, grab its edge with your hands. Bend your back while stretching your torso forward without letting go of your arms. Inhale while doing this. As you relax, exhale. Repeat about 10 times.
2. Sit on the bed, do not lower your legs. Lift each leg one at a time. Place your hands on the bed from your back and lift both legs together.
3. While sitting, do not lower your legs; rest your hands on the bed, moving them behind your back. Bring your shoulder blades toward each other, straightening your shoulders. At the same time, tilt your head back. Watch your breathing: bring your shoulder blades in, inhale, relax - exhale.

Three physical therapy exercises in a standing position

The purpose of standing exercises is to rehabilitate fine movements and professional skills:

1. Pick up a small object from the floor from a standing position (for example, a coin, a matchbox, a match), press the keys of an instrument or keyboard, and oppose the thumb to all the others in turn.
2. Take expanders in your hands. Squeezing them into a fist, at the same time move your arms to the sides, unclenching them and bringing them towards your body.
3. Exercise "scissors". Standing on the floor, place your feet shoulder-width apart. Stretch your arms in front of you. Perform alternate crossing of your arms, moving them to the opposite side.

Speech restoration

Patients should be prepared for the fact that despite long-term speech restoration exercises (several months or even years), there may not be a positive effect. In 30–35% of cases, speech returns spontaneously rather than gradually.

1. In order for the patient to speak, he must constantly hear sounds, words, and expanded speech.
2. Follow the principle of successive stages of rehabilitation. Start with pronunciation of individual sounds, move on to syllables, simple and complex words, sentences, rhymes. You can help a person by pronouncing the first part of a word, the ending of which he pronounces independently.
3. Listening to music and singing. It happens that after a stroke a person cannot speak normally, but the ability to sing is preserved. You should definitely try to sing. This will restore speech faster.
4. In front of a mirror, perform exercises to restore facial muscles. This kind of rehabilitation at home is especially relevant if the stroke is manifested by facial distortion:

• bare your teeth;
• roll and stretch your lips into a tube;
• when opening your mouth, push your tongue forward as much as possible;
• alternately bite your upper and lower lips;
• lick your lips in a circle with your tongue, first in one direction, then in the other direction;
• pull the corners of your mouth up, as if smiling.

Restoring memory and intelligence

It is advisable to begin rehabilitation of intellectual abilities while still in the hospital after stabilization of the general condition. But you shouldn’t overload your brain.
Functional memory restoration should be preceded by drug support of stroke-affected nerve cells. Drugs (Actovegin, Thiocetam, Piracetam, Cavinton, Cortexin) are administered intravenously or taken in tablet form. Their therapeutic effects are realized very slowly, which requires long-term use (3-6 months). Courses of such therapy must be repeated after 2–3 months.

Direct rehabilitation measures to restore memory:

• The ability to remember is restored faster if a person can speak, see, hears well, and behaves adequately.
• Memory training: listening and repeating numbers, words, rhymes. First, achieve short-term memorization (repetition is possible immediately after listening to the information). Its duration will gradually lengthen - when asked to count, the patient will independently pronounce the numbers. This will indicate the effectiveness of rehabilitation.
• Look at pictures, videos, remembering and saying the names of everything that is depicted.
• Play board games.

What determine the terms of rehabilitation and prognosis?

Activities aimed at restoring the functions of the nervous system after a stroke at home are an important element of the rehabilitation period:

• About 70% of patients, when performing them, achieve the expected results (recover as much as possible at all).
• In 15–20%, the effectiveness of rehabilitation exceeds the expected time frame and functionality.
• 10–15% of patients do not achieve the expected recovery.
• Lack of rehabilitation at home is the cause of profound disability after a stroke in 75%.

The forecast and recovery time are shown in the table.

Successful recovery from a stroke depends on a number of factors, making it almost impossible to predict the outcome. However, if the brain lesion is not extensive, is not localized in critical areas, and rehabilitation began on time, then the prognosis is quite favorable. At the same time, properly designed rehabilitation therapy is a very important component of success.

The best chances are for a full recovery after a mini-stroke, but even with more complex lesions you should not despair. There are many rehabilitation programs, thanks to which one can hope not only for the restoration of speech and motor functions, but also for a return to a socially active life.

In modern neurology, physiotherapeutic rehabilitation procedures, medications and psychological assistance are used to restore stroke patients. Various techniques and exercises are aimed at regaining lost abilities to the maximum extent.

Basic rehabilitation methods

What specific methods are indicated for recovery in the post-stroke period depends on the type of stroke, the location of the lesion, the condition of the patient, his age, and psychological state. The main thing is to start rehabilitation measures as early as possible, preferably in the first days after the attack, if the general condition allows it. The sooner medical care is provided and rehabilitation measures are started, the greater the chance of recovery after a stroke.

Physical rehabilitation

Physical rehabilitation is aimed at restoring motor activity and includes various techniques to achieve results. The recovery complex is selected individually, depending on the severity of the condition and specific goals.

• Therapeutic exercise is used already in the first days after a stroke. Different types of physical exercise will help eliminate neurological disorders at any stage. They allow you to reduce tone and increase the motor amplitude of the affected limbs, restore movement and prepare for walking.
• If the patient can already move independently, then walking must be included in the complex of daily activities.
• Various exercise machines designed specifically for recovery purposes can be of great benefit. Exercising on exercise machines helps develop muscles, but with spastic syndrome they may be contraindicated.

Kinesiotherapy

Kinesiotherapy is an important part of physical rehabilitation. It includes a whole range of treatment procedures designed to improve joint mobility, strengthen muscles and reduce spasticity. For these purposes, in particular, the following are used:

• gymnastics (active and passive);
• massage;
• position fixation;
• physiotherapeutic effects, etc.

Medicinal and herbal medicine

Treatment of post-stroke condition involves the use of medications that not only improve the patient’s well-being, but also help accelerate recovery processes.

Drugs prescribed in the post-stroke period are designed to improve blood supply to the brain and metabolism in brain cells. They are taken strictly according to the prescribed regimen. Some medications are taken only if you have had an ischemic stroke (in particular, blood thinners). After a hemorrhagic lesion, they are strictly contraindicated, as they can provoke repeated hemorrhage.

Tablets to reduce muscle tone, reduce the excitability of the nervous system, and antidepressants can also be used. Folk remedies have proven themselves well in this regard. Herbal teas, tinctures, and decoctions enhance the effect of medications. They can be used as a restorative, tonic or, conversely, a sedative. There are also many traditional medicine recipes for external use.

However, before starting treatment with any folk remedies, consulting a doctor is vital, since uncontrolled use of herbal preparations in the post-stroke period can cause irreparable harm.

Psychological rehabilitation

Recovery time after a stroke largely depends on your psychological mood. The range of emotions that a patient can experience in a post-stroke state is extremely wide. Depression very often develops, and there is a decrease in mental activity. A reduced emotional background is accompanied by irritability, short temper, and tearfulness.

The condition of patients who have developed apathy as a result of the disease improves especially slowly. They become indifferent to their condition and may refuse medical procedures. It is important to understand that a person in the post-stroke period may experience great suffering from his helplessness, so you need to show maximum patience. The ideal option is when a professional psychologist works with the patient. Special exercises and techniques used in this situation will help you get out of the vicious circle. You may additionally need to take antidepressants.

Speech restoration

For patients with speech impairment, fine motor skills, and cognitive processes, neuropsychological rehabilitation programs are individually selected. To restore speech, you will need classes with a speech therapist-aphasiologist. Exercises in these classes will also help restore the ability to read, write, and count if they have been lost. To improve results, relatives should constantly talk with the patient. This is especially useful if, in addition to the inability to express thoughts verbally, a lack of understanding of someone else’s speech is added.

Memory recovery

Memory loss after a stroke varies among patients and can have a wide variety of manifestations:

• verbal disorder, in which the patient cannot remember the names of loved ones or the names of objects in the environment;
• visual impairment, when memory for faces is lost;
• false memories - the patient “remembers” events that never actually happened to him;
• general memory loss, in which the patient is unable to remember almost anything.

Daily training (memorizing poems, looking at old photographs, etc.) helps restore memory, but sometimes this process can take a long time even with minor violations.

Additionally, the doctor may prescribe nootropic drugs in large doses and long courses.

Occupational therapy

Occupational therapy classes adapt the patient to life with lost physical capabilities. This makes it possible to quickly return to self-care and work. With the help of an occupational therapist, specific problems of a particular patient are solved. For example, they are taught how to hold a spoon, fasten buttons, and dial a telephone number.

Mental exercise

Mental exercise is an important part of the physical rehabilitation complex. Exercises carried out in thoughts train muscle memory. This technique, among other things, helps restore the speech apparatus, since the patient mentally pronounces commands for the muscles.

Post-stroke consequences

Both ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke can lead to very unpleasant consequences. The most dangerous are coma, complete hemiplegia and paralysis of the eye. Unfavorable signs include urinary incontinence, which is usually accompanied by genitourinary infections. Possible kidney dysfunction. Cardiac complications often develop, especially in patients with coronary heart disease, epilepsy, and cerebral edema. Pneumonia is fatal during this period, as is vascular thrombosis, which usually develops unnoticed.

Among the milder secondary complications that do not pose a threat to life, the most common are:

• bedsores;
• contractures;
• convulsive syndrome;
• muscular dystrophy.

Typical for the post-stroke condition are motor and speech disorders, amnestic aphasia. Patients may lose the ability to write and read.

The severity of post-stroke complications is influenced by the extent of the lesion and the type of attack. Ischemic stroke, especially in a mild form, has complications that are not as pronounced as hemorrhagic stroke.

But even if you have suffered a complex stroke, the consequences can be prevented (at least partially) with proper therapy and quality care. Therefore, it is extremely important to do everything in the initial period to prevent complications.

For this, various procedures and medications are used. For example, massage, heat treatment, and muscle relaxants are prescribed to prevent increased spasticity. In case of changes in the joints, along with pain-relieving procedures (acupuncture, laser therapy, etc.), procedures are used to improve tissue trophism - hydrotherapy, applications with paraffin or ozokerite.

Terms of rehabilitation

Recovery time after a stroke depends on the type of stroke and the extent of the damage. For minor lesions after an ischemic stroke (such as dizziness, mild paralysis and loss of coordination), full recovery will take two to three months. But already in the first or second month the functions are partially restored and a general improvement is noticeable.

Severe neurological deficit (discoordination, severe paralysis) in any type of disease requires at least six months for partial recovery. The possibility of complete recovery is limited, and the process may take an indefinite period.

The recovery period after a hemorrhagic stroke is generally longer. But with massive brain damage, regardless of the type of stroke, recovery time is calculated in years, and it is no longer possible to completely restore lost functions.

Sometimes rehabilitation measures cannot be carried out due to the patient’s condition. There are a number of contraindications in which classes need to be postponed or replaced. In particular, for physical rehabilitation, these are renal failure, acute inflammatory diseases, and disorders of the cardiovascular system.

If patients have impaired intellectual activity or mental disorders, difficulties may arise with both psychological and motor rehabilitation. However, in any case, it is possible to select a recovery regimen that will help improve the condition in the post-stroke period.

But it is important to remember that no matter what type of stroke injury was suffered, and no matter what the prognosis, you should not stop rehabilitation procedures. After all, each organism has different resource capabilities, and it is sometimes possible to restore lost abilities in seemingly completely hopeless situations. In addition, such work on oneself is the best prevention of new stroke attacks.

During a stroke, cerebral circulation is disrupted, which leads to cell death. Rehabilitation after a stroke takes place at home. Recovery of affected brain cells occurs gradually, the process can take months. Early rehabilitation allows patients to quickly return to a full life. Measures to restore functions lost due to a stroke must be carried out regularly until complete recovery.

The use of rehabilitation means is mandatory.

After stabilization of the patient's general condition, it is necessary to immediately begin recovery after the stroke. Speech is gradually stabilizing. After partial or complete restoration of the affected cells to normal functioning, the patient begins to pronounce individual sounds, which are converted into words. It is necessary to constantly talk with the patient - hearing training speeds up the recovery process.

Active development of the speech center is carried out using a number of exercises. The patient should regularly extend his tongue, alternately bite the lower and upper lips, move the lower jaw, stretch out his lips in a “tube” and expose his teeth. With a complete loss of speech, at the initial stage the patient is taught to pronounce individual letters and syllables. The consultant is told part of the word, and he chooses the ending on his own. The volume of words reproduced increases - a person puts words into sentences, repeats tongue twisters and poems.

At the initial stage of the recovery period, the patient should try to play simple songs. Singing trains your hearing and helps restore memory.

Brain restoration after a stroke is aimed at normalizing cerebral circulation. Post-stroke rehabilitation is based on drug support for neurons affected by stroke. Solutions of nootropic drugs are administered intravenously. Medicines are taken throughout the recovery period. Functional rehabilitation measures include regular memory training.

With complete memory loss, the patient is regularly shown photographs and told about significant events in his life. Partial amnesia requires regular repetition and memorization of numbers, words and tongue twisters. Activities to restore speech functions are often combined with exercises to restore memory.

Partial or complete loss of vision can be caused by a stroke; rehabilitation at home takes place in several stages. Against the background of intracranial hemorrhage, the ophthalmic and oculomotor nerves atrophy. Stroke recovery procedures include:

• taking medications;
• surgical intervention;
• special exercises.

Surgical intervention is a radical method that is used as a last resort. According to reviews, gymnastics is considered the most effective remedy. Set of exercises:

1. The upper edges of the eyes are pinched with three fingers.
2. The fingers are slowly moved to the temples.
3. Return the fingers to their original position.
4. The skin of the upper edges of the eyes is moved to the nose.

It is necessary to perform 3-4 approaches. While performing gymnastics, it is recommended to apply light pressure on the eyeball. If all medical recommendations are followed, complete restoration of vision is possible.

Psychological support

After a blood vessel ruptures, the patient becomes withdrawn due to the inability to return to a full life. Psychological support is provided by specialists, relatives and friends of the patient; it helps the person to fully adapt socially. The main goal of psychological support is to teach the stroke patient to control behavior and actions. During the rehabilitation process, the processes of perception of the surrounding world improve.

The main tasks of psychological assistance:

• teach the patient to understand, accept and manage psychological patterns;
• prevent depression;
• mentally prepare the patient for the upcoming difficulties.

Diet and food

During the rehabilitation period after a stroke, it is necessary to follow a diet. Rough, salty, sour, spicy and smoked foods are removed from the diet. The list of permitted products includes rye bread, fresh vegetables and fruits, lean meat (turkey, rabbit, chicken). Vegetable oil is consumed in minimal quantities. Dishes are prepared by steaming. Meat and vegetables are boiled or stewed, soups and cereals are cooked in water. The fat content of dairy and fermented milk products should not exceed 1%.

You must give up sweets and baked goods. Desserts include fruit salads, seasoned with low-fat yogurt. Vegetable snacks are seasoned with olive oil. Frying as a method of cooking should be ignored. Drinking regimen: at least 1.5 liters per day. Compotes, mineral water, weak tea and freshly squeezed juices are drunk when thirst occurs.

Exercises

Rehabilitation after a stroke at home includes physical therapy. Exercise therapy is a set of exercises that allows you to completely restore the patient’s motor activity. Preparatory measures help prevent blood stagnation: the patient must be turned over regularly.

A set of breathing exercises normalizes gas exchange, ensures the flow of oxygen to the brain and relaxes muscle fibers. Passive loads include massage. Exercise can help prevent bedsores and muscle atrophy.

In bed rest

With complete or partial paralysis, the patient needs passive physical exercise. If the right side of the body is paralyzed, the patient independently develops the right upper limb with his left hand, swinging his arms, and vice versa. Standing on your feet is not recommended. Massaging paralyzed limbs is carried out daily.

In a sitting position

After the acute period, the patient should perform exercises in a sitting position. Methods for restoring motor activity:

• development of the muscles of the shoulder joint;
• flexion and extension of limbs;
• swing your legs and arms.

Rotational movements of the head are performed while sitting. The muscle fibers of the shoulder joint are kneaded by bringing the shoulder blades together.

Standing

Independent restoration of physical activity at home helps to normalize the functions of the cardiovascular system. The exercises are performed at the final stage of rehabilitation, when the patient is back on his feet. Swings and lunges with the lower limbs, “false steps” and squats are performed with stable support in the form of a chair or a backrest from the bed.

Drugs

Rehabilitation of post-stroke patients is accompanied by medication. The following groups of drugs will help patients who have suffered a stroke recover:

• Sedatives. During the rehabilitation period, the patient is prescribed Magnesia. The antihypertensive drug is administered intravenously. The drug helps keep blood pressure normal. Magnesia is administered in combination with Diazepam.
• Anticonvulsants. Piracetam (Nootropil) when administered intravenously or intramuscularly reduces the risk of development and normalizes blood microcirculation in the affected area.
• Vasodilators. Medicines that increase the lumen of blood vessels reduce vascular resistance. With regular use, blood flow is normalized. Such medicines include Curantil and Aspirin.

Medication support for the body speeds up recovery. The drugs are selected by a doctor, self-medication is excluded.

How long does rehabilitation take after a stroke?

The recovery period for acute circulatory disorders depends on the degree of brain damage and the individual characteristics of the body. After a micro-stroke suffered on the legs, the recovery period is 30-40 days. Bed rest is not necessary; it is important to eat right and avoid emotional and physical fatigue.

With partial loss of motor activity, rehabilitation, which takes 3-6 months, takes place in several stages. During this period, atrophied muscles are developed. Recovery for a completely paralyzed patient lasts 6-12 months.

After ischemic stroke

After an ischemic stroke, it is important to restore physical activity. The rehabilitation period varies depending on the degree of brain damage - the recovery period is more than 6 months. With paralysis, high excitability appears, the tone of muscle fibers increases. First of all, the mobility of the hands is restored - for this, the limb is regularly massaged. The duration of the session is 20-25 minutes.

With spastic paralysis, it is necessary to help the patient due to the fact that he is not able to independently flex and straighten the limb. The joints are worked one by one, starting with the shoulder and ending with the foot. Eye gymnastics promotes faster restoration of visual function. The Figure Eight exercise will relieve tension from the organ of vision and help you concentrate your attention on the world around you.

After a hemorrhagic stroke

During the recovery period after a stroke, patients are required to follow the instructions of the attending physician regarding further diet and physical activity. Hemorrhagic stroke, the recovery period after which is several months, is accompanied by rupture of blood vessels. Residual effects are eliminated with the help of comprehensive measures, allowing the patient to return to a full life.

The early and late periods of rehabilitation last up to 12 months. During this time, the patient must learn to care for himself and move without assistance. Properly selected rehabilitation measures can prevent relapse.

The load on healthy neurons increases, so the patient is prescribed medication. After a vessel ruptures, a hematoma forms in the brain, the process of resorption of which is accelerated by medications. Nootropics for intravenous administration (Gliacilin, Actovegin, Semax) normalize blood circulation, Neuromidin improves neuromuscular conduction.

After a hemorrhagic stroke, 26% of patients fully recover. If you do not contact a medical facility in a timely manner, the blow is fatal. Rehabilitation measures should be carried out in the first days after a vascular accident - this increases the chances of recovery.