Recovering from a stroke can be a complicated process, and many folks don’t know how to treat stroke patients. Many folks suffer from complications after their stroke and knowing your treatment options should be at the top of your priority list. Read on to learn more about your options for post-stroke treatment.

Complications that Require Treatment

Stroke treatment options are only necessary if there are complications that need to be addressed after the stroke. There are many different initial complications you may experience. These include-

  • Inability to move some parts of the body
  • Weakness on one or both sides of the body.
  • Complications with learning, judgment, attention, and memory.
  • Troubles with eating- particularly with chewing and swallowing.
  • Inability to understand or form speech.
  • Pain and discomfort in feet and hands.
  • Bladder and bowel control issues.

These initial symptoms will vary from person to person, and while some folks may experience one or two of these complications, other people might experience all of them.

Therapeutic Treatments

  • Occupational therapists- Occupational therapists will work with you on the fine motor skills that will allow you to eat, drink, and get ready for the day more easily.
  • Speech therapists-Speech therapists will work with you to help you better produce and understand speech.
  • Physical therapists-Physical therapists will work with you to relearn movement and coordination skills through different physical exercises.
  • Psychologists-Psychologists will work with you to help you treat depression and other emotional issues stemming from the stroke. They will also help you create action plans to carry on after the stroke while staying mentally well.

Preventative Treatments

Many doctors may recommend preventive treatments after a stroke. Normally this includes lifestyle changes based on the health of your heart. This could mean lowering your blood pressure, lowering your cholesterol, or managing your blood sugar levels.

How would this transmit to lifestyle changes? Through changing your exercise regimen, your diet, and your lifestyle habits. This may include changes such as

  • Adding in 30 minutes of exercise a day
  • Eating more fruits and vegetables at every meal
  • Quitting smoking

Other Treatment Options

  • hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT)- Using hyperbaric chamber treatment for stroke is becoming more and more common. HBOT is a fairly straightforward and painless process. You are exposed to pure oxygen while lying in a clear chamber for an hour (and up to an hour and a half). This increases the amount of oxygen in the brain and is currently being used to improve movement after stroke.
  • Acupuncture- Acupuncture is known for helping with pain management and is a great treatment option for patients needing to focus on post-stroke pain. Another interesting benefit of acupuncture is its ability to help improve swallowing ability. Many patients who suffer a stroke struggle with swallowing abilities, making this an attractive benefit.

Recovery from a stroke can often seem like a daunting process, and this includes choosing the right treatment plan. The right treatment for your recovery depends on several factors such as your overall health, your current symptoms, and the severity of those symptoms. Use your resources wisely and continually push forward, you will recover in no time!