Stroke Rehabilitation and Me

A condition which affects one side of the body. This is the result of an injury to the area of the brain which sends messages to the muscles in the arms and legs.

The loss of power may affect all the muscles on the affected side of your body including your arm, leg, trunk and face. This can affect your balance when sitting, standing and walking while weakness in the face can result in drooping of the face and/or drooling.

Loss of sensation on one side of the body loss of sensation can result in neglect of one side of your body. This sensory disturbance can lead to difficulties in knowing your right from left and your judgement of depth and distance.

Loss of vision- following a stroke, you might experience loss of vision. You may even be unaware of the visual problem. The loss of vision may result in bumping into furniture or doorways on the affected side.

Communication difficulties are common post stroke. Communication difficulties can affect people in different ways.

A person may have difficulties with:

• Understanding language

• Saying the right words

• Putting sentences together

• Speaking clearly due to weak muscles in your mouth

• Coordinating the muscles needed for speech

• Reading and writing

Many people experience some weight loss after stroke, especially in the weeks following the stroke.  This weight loss is usually unintentional and unplanned and can result in a loss of muscle tissue. Losing muscle tissue can negatively affect your progress with the physiotherapist and occupational therapist.  Weight loss can occur as a result of other complications caused by the stroke, such as swallowing difficulties, or difficulties feeding yourself, especially if your hand or arm has been affected by the stroke. Some people may experience a low mood after stroke, and this can often affect your appetite and your dietary intake.  You may need assistance at mealtimes to help prevent this weight loss, and you may be referred to see the Dietitian to help give you advice on the best foods and fluids to choose, to help keep your weight stable and to build up your muscle tissue again.

Dysphagia is a difficulty with eating, drinking or swallowing. This is very common after a stroke.

Difficulties you might notice include:

• Coughing when you eat / drink

• Food ‘getting stuck’ or ‘going the wrong way’

• Food / drink spilling from your mouth

• Problems swallowing your tablets

• Choking

Loss of intellectual or thinking ability-  following a stroke you may experience difficulty with attention, concentration, memory, problem-solving and learning new information.

Emotional changes- after a stroke you may experience changes in your mood such as shock, anger, frustration, anxiety, depression, feeling of loss, loneliness, lack of self-control and denial.

It is important to speak to the staff on Isolda Ward about your feelings.