WHAT A COMPLETE FUCKING JOKE!
Nothing here will even minutely guarantee recovery!
My comment on the story: I see a few useless guidelines; nothing even close to an EXACT PROTOCOL that will guarantee recovery. Hope you are OK with not recovering when you are the 1 in 4 per WHO that has a stroke!
How to Heal From a Stroke: 4 Expert-Backed Steps to a Full Recovery After 50
A stroke specialist reveals the therapies and strategies that help survivors recover
Every year, more than 795,000 Americans experience a stroke, according to the CDC—and for every one of those people, their life can change in an instant. Maybe you’re one of them. Or maybe someone you love is navigating this new reality. If you’re wondering what comes next, you’re not alone. The good news? Recovery is not only possible—it’s happening every single day. We spoke with a stroke specialist to learn exactly how to heal from a stroke, reclaim your strength and rediscover joy on the other side.
What is a stroke?
You may know someone who’s had a stroke—or you may have experienced one yourself. But do you know what’s actually happening inside the body when a stroke occurs?
Gurpreet Jaswal, MD, MHSc, FRCPC, a general internal medicine and stroke prevention specialist, explains it: A stroke happens when the brain does not get enough blood to do its job. Without steady blood flow, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and can become damaged.
Ischemic vs. hemorrhagic strokes
There are two main types of strokes, as Dr. Jaswal explains:
Ischemic Stroke
“This is caused by a lack of blood flow, often due to a clot or blockage preventing blood from reaching the brain.”
Hemorrhagic Stroke
“This is caused by bleeding directly into the head.”
Dr. Jaswal adds: “In both scenarios, the cells in that specific area of the brain end up dying or ceasing to function properly, which results in the loss of whatever function that part of the brain controlled.”
The ‘big 3’ risk factors for stroke
Even if stroke doesn’t run in your family, it’s important to understand your risk.
“Technically, anyone can have a stroke—even children—but risk profiles differ by demographic,” says Dr. Jaswal.
She explains that those at highest risk are people living with unmanaged health conditions, often referred to as the “big three” risk factors, including:
- Unmanaged high cholesterol
- High blood sugar
- High blood pressure
Other contributors include:
- Smoking
- Heart conditions such as atrial fibrillation/arrhythmias
- Low physical activity level
Emergency treatments: Why time is your most valuable asset
Dr. Jaswal says there are two emergency treatments doctors may use to treat a stroke, depending on how quickly a person reaches the hospital.
Thrombolytic (clot-busting) drugs: “If you arrive quickly enough, we can administer medication to dissolve the clot and prevent long-term damage,” says Dr. Jaswal.
Endovascular Treatment (EVT): “For blockages in large arteries, specialists can perform a procedure to physically retrieve the clot,” says Dr. Jaswal. “Because there are strict criteria for these treatments, getting to the hospital fast is the only way to potentially qualify for them.”
Dr. Jaswal reiterates that time is the most important factor in stroke outcomes. “Every minute you wait, you lose brain cells,” says Dr. Jaswal. “You must call an ambulance immediately because only a specialist at the hospital can determine if you are a candidate for these treatments.”
How to heal from a stroke: The 4 essential pillars of rehabilitation
If you’re one of the millions of Americans who’ve recently been impacted by a stroke, you may be wondering how to heal and recover your body after this life-changing event. The good news is that it’s possible, and we talked to Dr. Jaswal about her expert tips for doing so.
Exercise
In an animal study published in MedComm, mice that performed low-intensity treadmill exercise daily for four weeks after a stroke had less damage to the brain’s communication pathways, along with better memory and movement, compared with non-exercised mice.
After a stroke, your exercise routine may be provided through physiotherapy. “[Physiotherapy targets specific physical deficits caused by the stroke,” says Dr. Jaswal. “For example, if a patient has weakness in one leg or weakness in their arm, physiotherapy provides targeted exercises to strengthen those specific muscles.”
Why it helps: “In stroke medicine, we often focus on ‘small vessel disease’—damage to the tiny vessels deep in the brain,” says Dr. Jaswal. “Exercise helps mitigate this damage by actively controlling the three main drivers of vascular decline: cholesterol, blood sugar and blood pressure.”
Occupational therapy (OT)
“OT focuses on adapting the patient’s environment to their new needs,” says Dr. Jaswal. “Therapists look at how a patient manages daily tasks—’How do they write? How do they read?’—and introduce tools or techniques to make these possible again.”
Why it helps: “Occupational therapy bridges the gap between physical recovery and real-world living, allowing patients to accommodate their function within their home,” says Dr. Jaswal.
Speech-language pathology
“[Speech-language pathology] is essential for patients with speech issues (aphasia) or swallowing difficulties,” says Dr. Jaswal. “Pathologists work on retraining the muscles and cognitive pathways used for communication and eating.”
Why it helps: “[Speech-language pathology] addresses specific deficits in language and safety, [such as] swallowing, that other therapies do not touch, which are critical for quality of life,” says Dr. Jaswal.
Mental health and pain management
“We use services [such as psychiatry and physiatry, a rehabilitation specialty that helps stroke survivors regain movement] to treat post-stroke complications like nerve pain, depression and mood issues,” says Dr. Jaswal.
Why it helps: “Healing is holistic,” says Dr. Jaswal. “Depression is common after a stroke, and treating it (along with physical pain) ensures the patient has the mental resilience to participate in their rehab.”
The bottom line on life after a stroke
Here’s the truth: Life after a stroke may look different—but different doesn’t mean less. With the right support, therapies and mindset, you can reclaim your strength, rediscover your independence and reconnect with the life you love.
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