The best way to get better after a stroke is to start stroke rehabilitation ("rehab"). In stroke rehab, a team of health professionals works with you to regain skills you lost as the result of a stroke. Rehab can help you to:
- Do as well as you can and be as independent as possible.
- Learn to live with the changes to your brain and body caused by the stroke.
- Adjust to living within your home, family, and community.
Rehab starts while you are still in the hospital.
A team of health professionals will work with each other, you, and your caregivers to help you recover from a stroke.
- Physicians include your primary care doctor as well as specialists in physical medicine
- A physical therapist to work on problems with movement, balance, and coordination.
- A psychologist or counselor to help you deal with your emotions.
Recovering from a stroke can be a long and sometimes frustrating experience. It's normal to face difficulties along the way. Dedication and willingness to work toward improvement will help you gain the most benefit.
