Stroke can affect a person's life and well-being in many aspects. Specific rehabilitation process and depends on the symptoms experienced and how severe the symptoms are. A number of experts and specialists can help. Among them are psychologists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, nurses and specialists, as well as physiotherapy. Damage due to stroke could be widespread and long lasting. Before recovered as usual, the patient should do in a long period of rehabilitation. But the majority of them will never recover fully. Even so, it is highly recommended to those closest around them, always remain optimistic to help the recovery process.
Physical effects of stroke
There are several physical effects that occur as a result of a stroke, including paralysis on one side of the body parts and disruption of coordination, and the body balance. Some people will also experience extreme fatigue in the first few weeks after the stroke.
Paralysis on the part of the body should be examined by a physiotherapist who will draw up a treatment plan. Physiotherapy is usually started after the patient's health condition is stable. Posture and balance are the main things that will be fixed by the physiotherapist. After that the patient will undergo a brief session that lasted several minutes. Session length will increase as the recovery of muscle control and strength of the patient.
There are two targets made by physiotherapists, short-term targets and long-term targets. In the short-term targets, the patient will be trained to do simple movements such as taking an object. While the long-term target, the patient is trained to stand and walk. In the process, the physiotherapist does not just work alone. Family members of patients can be involved. The benefit is, that the family members of these patients were able to train the patient While at home. Period of time to perform physical recovery is relative. Physiotherapy may last several months or even years and usually therapy discontinued if the patient's condition no longer show progress.
Cognitive effects of stroke
One or several cognitive functions may be impaired as a result of stroke. Cognitive function is a term used by experts to describe the brain's ability to process information. Cognitive function includes:
Memory.
Concentration.
Communication both written and spoken.
Awareness of the position of the body to the surrounding environment.
The ability to do physical activities such as bathing or eating.
Ability to perform executive functions, such as problem solving, planning, and consider the situation.
Before the plans for rehabilitation and treatment is made, the whole cognitive function of patients should be checked. In rehabilitation, the patient will be taught various cognitive function recovery techniques, one of which is a therapy to restore communication. There are also ways to replace lost cognitive functions, one of which is the installation of memory aids. Most cognitive function will be recovered after rehabilitation, although not one hundred percent. Brain damage caused by stroke can also increase the occurrence of vascular dementia. Vascular dementia can occur immediately or some time after a stroke.
The psychological impact of a stroke
After a person is having a stroke, they may experience psychological effects such as depression or anxiety disorders. Feel angry, anxious, confused, depressed, and frustrated, it is a natural thing. Psychologists can provide advice and motivation so that a stroke has little impact on patients' lives, such as family life or sex life.
One psychological therapy after stroke is cognitive behavior therapy. This therapy aims to help patients with positive thinking. In addition to therapy from a psychologist, the support of those closest to is also very important to restore the state of mind of the patient as usual.
Problems in communication skills
Problems in speaking, understanding, reading, and writing a lot of experienced people after stroke. It was referred to as aphasia or dysphasia. Aphasia occurs due to damage to the brain that regulate speech or damage to the muscles that support these capabilities. To restore communication skills, patients will be handled by a therapist.
Problems in the power of vision
Sometimes some people with visual impairments after stroke, such as blind in one eye. It is caused by damage to the brain that receive, process, and interpret information sent by the eyes.
Sex life after a stroke and how to work around this
Although some parts of the body of people who've had a stroke suffered paralysis, but they can still enjoy moments of intimacy with their partners. They can try a number of positions that fit their circumstances. Having sex does not make people more at risk of stroke again so patients are not forbidden to have sex. Some medications stroke, can decrease libido, it is advisable to consult a doctor if experiencing such problems. There are several drugs that can solve the problem.
The problem of the bladder
Stroke can affect parts of the brain that control urine disposal. Because the people who have had a stroke can be bedwetting without them knowing it.
Driving vehicles after stroke
Usually after a stroke, people are not recommended to drive for a month. Sooner or later than someone be driving back will depend on the long-term damage they experienced and what vehicle they are driving. The doctor can help decide whether people are allowed to drive again or should undergo further examination.
For people around stroke survivors
There are many ways to support family or friends who've had a stroke, so that their rehabilitation is progressing more quickly, among them:
Help motivate patients to achieve long-term targets.
Adapt to their condition, such as speaking slowly if they are having communication problems.
Being involved in the practice of physiotherapy.
Provide moral support and confidence that their condition will be recovered over time.
The frustration and loneliness often experienced by those who care for people who have had a stroke. Therefore some of the suggestions outlined below are expected to help.
Mentally prepared to face the changes in behavior
Personality people who've had a stroke, often rapidly changing, and sometimes behavior can be irrational. For example, they could become angry and resentful. It is caused by psychological and cognitive effects. Although annoying, try not to take it personally. Remember that the original personality they would return after their rehabilitation progress.
Trying to be patient and positive thinking
Attitude of patience and positive thinking are needed to support the recovery of people who've had a stroke. Often rehabilitation go long and make us frustrated. But it is always optimistic and believe there will be a period in which the progress achieved. Try to encourage and praise the slightest progress. Because that way, stroke patients will continue to be motivated to achieve their long-term targets.
Opportunities for stroke patients can return to normal life
Although the patient has been undergoing treatment, stroke can not be fully restored. Here is an opportunity that is owned by a stroke patient in general:
A third of stroke patients recover completely although it must continue to be supported in order to be able to lead a normal life.
A third of stroke patients recover, but suffered paralysis. Ranging from mild paralysis such as the need to be assisted in the bath, until such severe paralysis could not get up at all.
A third of stroke patients do not recover at all and died within one year, even most of them died in the hospital a few weeks early.