Recovering from a stroke can be a long and difficult experience. You may go through a whole complex cycle of physical and mental disruption. It can be hard to find the motivation to go through rehab. However, you owe it to yourself to recover and regain your strength. Here are 5 things to expect while you recover.
1. You May Experience Weakness on One Side
Hemiparesis is a condition that involves weakness on one side of the body. You may experience it on either side, depending on the location of the initial attack. It may be temporary or, in the worst-case scenario, permanent. Hemiparesis will usually occur on the other side of the body from where the stroke occurred. This is due to the hemispheric nature of the human brain.
This is a very common condition for people who have had a stroke to suffer from. 8 out of every 10 people who have survived a stroke may experience it to some degree. It should be pointed out that a stroke is not the only possible cause of hemiparesis. It can also arise due to tumors, cancer, or a severe brain injury.
2. You May Experience Paralysis on One Side
Another common side effect that people may experience after a stroke is the paralysis of one side of the body. This is a condition known as hemiplegia. Its effects may be temporary or permanent. Hemiplegia is a much more severe result of the same causes that can lead to hemiparesis. Its effects are more damaging.
3. You May Suffer From Poor Cognition Skills
One of the most noticeable side effects that you can suffer from a stroke will be a loss of cognitive ability. You will need to work with a therapist after your stroke in order to regain your function in this vital area. You may suffer from a lack of memory skills. This may be either a temporary or permanent issue.
You may also suffer a loss of ability in other vital areas related to the healthy functioning of your brain. These can include having trouble speaking or making yourself understood. This is a common issue stroke survivors can anticipate. In a case like this, you most likely need to work with an expert speech therapist.
4. You May Need to Fight Heavy Fatigue
Recovering from a stroke is an experience that can try the patience of even the calmest person. There are many new things, not all of them pleasant, that you will need to get used to. One of the worst feelings to have to deal with is not knowing right away if your condition is permanent or merely temporary. Uncertainty is a cause of anxiety.
This feeling of nervousness or dread may translate into a number of physical effects. This is not to say that they will be totally psychosomatic in nature. You may feel extremely fatigued or lose interest in activities you used to be passionate about. These feelings will usually begin to pass as you recover.
5. You May Have Trouble Sleeping or Swallowing
There are a number of other effects that you may notice in the wake of a stroke. These can include insomnia. You may find it very hard to get a good night’s sleep. This lack of rest can soon turn into chronic fatigue, loss of focus, and other sources of tension. Talk to your doctor to get the correct medication.
You may also notice other effects, such as having a hard time chewing or swallowing your food. These are issues that are best solved with the aid of a therapist. Your doctor will recommend a program of treatment that will help you to address and defuse these issues. They will usually pass quickly unless you suffer from permanent paralysis.
The Time to Plan Your Recovery is Now
Recovering from a condition such as a stroke can be a long and arduous experience. This is not the kind of recovery that you have to make all on your own. There are plenty of rehab and therapy programs to help get you on your way. The time for you to take advantage of these programs to help chart your recovery is now.
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