Stepping forward

Walk again after stroke: live healthier, live happier, live longer

Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability. Impairments resulting from stroke lead to persistent difficulties with walking. Walking ability has important health implications, providing protective effects against secondary complications common after a stroke such as heart disease, musculoskeletal issues, and systemic disorders. For a stroke survivor, learning to walk again should be a top priority. Even if someone has been primarily wheelchair or bed-bound for years, with little intervention, they can achieve si gnificant results and greater quality of life with the proper program, and with  proper equipment . Learn more at Why Stand ? Why Walk? Recovery should be accomplished in a way that preserves dignity and motivates the survivor to relearn basic skills that the stroke may have taken away - skills like eating, dressing and walking. It involves taking an active approach to ensure that life goes on. With good care and rehabilitation, there is life after stroke. Learn more about stroke recovery from the National Stroke Organization

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Stroke is: the 3rd leading cause of death in America the leading cause of severe, long-term adult disability

Stroke recovery is a lifelong process

Early Recovery

There is much we do not know about how the brain compensates for damage caused by stroke or brain attack. Some brain cells may be only temporarily damaged, not killed, and may resume functioning. In some cases, the brain can reorganize its own functioning. Sometimes, a region of the brain "takes over" for a region damaged by the stroke. E arly recovery and rehabilitation can improve functioning for the stroke survivor. Stroke survivors may also experience remarkable and unanticipated recoveries. Learn more at stroke survivor caregiver testimonials and stroke survivor testimonials General recovery guidelines show: 10% of stroke survivors recover almost completely 25% recover with minor impairments 40% experience moderate to severe impairments requiring special care 10% require care in a nursing home or other long-term care facility 15% die shortly after the stroke

Rehabilitation: Optimizing Ongoing Recovery

Rehabilitation starts in the hospital as soon as possible following a stroke. In patients who are stable, rehabilitation may begin within two days after the stroke has occurred, and should be continued as necessary after release from the hospital. There is growing evidence showing the provision of  early ambulation   support to critically ill and injured patients result in more favorable recovery outcomes as compared to less aggressive approaches.   A recent study at Cleveland Clinic found that patients participating in early mobility routines after neurological injury recovered quicker and went home earlier than those receiving standard care. Browse stroke survivor video gallery

Depending on the severity of the stroke, rehabilitation options can include: A rehabilitation unit in the hospital with inpatient therapy A subacute care unit A rehabilitation hospital with individualized inpatient therapy Home therapy Returning home with outpatient therapy A long-term care facility that provides therapy and skilled nursing care The long-term goal of rehabilitation is to improve function so that the stroke survivor can become as independent as possible.   Evidence based practice confirms that ambulation spanning the acute through long-term stroke recovery phases using an over-ground, all-in-one standing frame and walking frame support system, such as the  Gait Harness System , should be encouraged. Functional recovery progress may then be made immediately, and in the months and years to come.

Women report unique stroke symptoms Hiccups Headache Nausea Dizziness Whole body numbness Face and limb pain General weakness Chest pain Shortness of breath Palpitations

If you think someone may be having a stroke

Act F.A.S.T and do this simple test                          F= FACE: Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop? A = ARMS: Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward? S = SPEECH: Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase. Is their speech slurred or strange? T = TIME: If you observe any of these signs, call 9-1-1 immediately. Note the time when any symptoms first appear.  Research conducted by  The American Stroke Association  shows that patients who take a clot-busting drug, or thromboly tic, within three hours of their first stroke symptom can reduce long-term disability from  ischemic stroke

Recognize Stroke Symptoms               Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg-especially on one side of the body Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination Sudden severe headache with no known cause

Learn more about post stroke health

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