A stroke is a scary and life-changing event, whether it happens to you or someone you know.  Strokes damage the brain, which is a complex organ that controls thought, emotion, motor skills, breathing, temperature, and every process that regulates our body. Depending on the location of the damage, the stroke can affect different brain functions, such as your ability to live independently, to think clearly, or to process your emotions.  A stroke can even change your personality. But does a stroke always cause permanent damage? The simple answer is no, but in order to understand the more complex truth behind the answer, it’s important to have a basic understanding of what causes strokes and the role of stroke rehabilitation in a successful recovery.  

What causes strokes?

Strokes occur when blood flow to the brain is disrupted. This disruption is most often the result of a blocked or narrowed blood vessel (from a blood clot, fatty deposit, or other particles), but in rarer cases, it is the result of a ruptured blood vessel. The blockage or rupture stops the blood from reaching parts of the brain. Without the oxygen and nutrients carried by the blood, brain cells begin to die within minutes, damaging the connection between cells. This loss of connection results in impaired function, such as difficulty speaking, walking, or problem-solving. 

Does a stroke always cause permanent damage?

Not every stroke will cause permanent damage, but timing plays an important role.  The longer the blood flow is disrupted, the more severe the damage, and the lower the chances of a full recovery. Additionally, there is only a small window of opportunity after a stroke when the brain’s capacity to rewire itself is at its peak. It begins to diminish after a couple of weeks. So it’s important that the patient not only receives treatment to restore normal blood flow immediately, but also begins stroke rehabilitation as soon as possible. The sooner treatment and rehabilitation begin, the higher the likelihood of a successful stroke recovery. 

What is stroke rehabilitation? 

Stroke rehabilitation is a goal-oriented treatment program designed to help stroke survivors relearn lost skills. Stroke rehab is highly individualized because every stroke is different, depending on the severity of the damage, which part of the brain is damaged, and which functions are affected. A temporal lobe stroke, for example, may impair language comprehension in one person or difficulty with depth perception in another. A frontal lobe stroke, on the other hand, may result in severe muscle weakness, or subtle cognitive changes. Most people who suffer from stroke experience a range of symptoms. Post-stroke rehabilitation involves a multidisciplinary team of physicians, nurses, physical therapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, and other medical practitioners working together to help the patient to restore function and regain lost abilities. 

How does post-stroke rehab work?

Although it’s not possible to recover dead brain cells, a strong stroke rehabilitation program can help rewire the brain to restore lost function. According to the American Stroke Association, approximately 10% of stroke patients recover almost completely, and around 25% recover with minor impairments. Stroke rehab works through a process called neuroplasticity, which refers to the brain’s ability to adapt and reorganize itself. 

By guiding patients through the strategic repetition of carefully chosen exercises, stroke rehabilitation specialists can help stimulate neuroplasticity so key skills and functions are rerouted through healthy brain tissue. Post-stroke physical therapy, for example, can help encourage the brain to create new pathways for motor control. Post-stroke speech therapy can help the brain make new connections for language skills. Key areas of work in a high quality stroke rehabilitation program typically include some combination of mobility, range-of-motion, motor skills, speaking, listening, writing, memory, and problem solving, depending on the individual needs of the patient. 

Stroke rehabilitation in Lemon Grove | Bella Vista Health Center

Residents in the Bella Vista stroke rehabilitation program receive a minimum of an hour and a half to two hours of therapy per day, five to six days a week. Depending on the severity of the stroke and any related complications, our stroke rehab specialists develop an individualized program focused on the areas that will help each patient become as independent as possible. For more information or to schedule a tour of our 5-star skilled nursing facility in Lemon Grove, give us a call at (619) 644-1000 today.