Time Is Brain: A Long-Term Timeline

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  • Stroke 101

    Stroke 101

    A stroke can be a devastating event that permanently changes a person’s ability to function. It can result in minor debilitation, such as muscle weakness, or a more serious disability, such as the inability to speak.

    The physical effects of a stroke depend on the type of stroke, the stage at which it’s diagnosed and treated, and the general health of the person experiencing the stroke.

    Click through the slideshow to learn more about warning signs and stroke rehabilitation.

  • What Is Stroke?

    What Is Stroke?

    A stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks an artery or a blood vessel breaks and prevents blood flow to a portion of the brain. Brain cells start to die and brain damage occurs when the brain is deprived of blood.

    While stroke-induced brain damage can be extensive and permanent, it can often be reduced through early diagnosis and treatment, according to the National Stroke Association (NSA).

  • Think FAST

    Think FAST

    It’s extremely important to familiarize yourself with the early signs of stroke and seek immediate medical attention if you begin to experience any of them. 

    Warning signs of stroke are summarized in the acronym FAST, which the NSA defines as follows:

    • speech: if a person is asked to repeat a simple phrase and their speech is slurred or abnormal
    • time: if a person presents any of the aforementioned symptoms, call 911 immediately
  • Three Minutes Make a Difference

    Three Minutes Make a Difference

    Familiarize yourself with stroke warning signs and don’t hesitate to seek medical care if you think you or someone else may be suffering a stroke. This is the best course of action for limiting brain damage and improving recovery time.

    According to the NSA, if a stroke victim gets medical attention within three hours of symptom onset, they can receive an IV-drip of clot-buster medication. The medication may help break up the clot and reduce long-term disability.

  • Recovery Facts

    Recovery Facts

    What are your odds for recovery? According to the NSA, general stroke recovery guidelines show that:

    • 25 percent of stroke survivors recover with only minor impairments
    • 40 percent have moderate to severe impairments that require special care
    • 10 percent need care in a long-term care facility
    • 15 percent die soon after the stroke
  • Rehab Options

    Rehab Options

    Physical rehabilitation can often significantly improve a person’s functional ability. While recovery time and effectiveness vary greatly from person to person, the following therapies have proven successful:

    • therapy administered while in a hospital
    • therapy administered while in a subacute care unit
    • therapy administered in a rehabilitation hospital
    • home therapy
    • out-patient therapy
    • therapy and skilled nursing care provided in a long-term care facility
  • Promoting Independence

    Promoting Independence

    When selecting the best rehabilitation option for a loved one, consider which option would make the stroke patient most comfortable and willing to learn.

    The rehabilitation process often involves relearning such basic tasks as eating and dressing oneself, so the more relaxed and unthreatened a patient feels, the faster they’re likely to recover. A major goal of stroke rehabilitation is to improve patient function to promote independence.

  • Staying Positive

    Staying Positive

    According to the NSA, statistics suggest that over 7 million Americans have survived a stroke and now live with its after-effects. While stroke is an unexpected and often devastating occurrence, damage can often be minimized with early detection, treatment, and consistent rehabilitative care.

    The rehabilitation process can be tedious and frustrating, but keeping a positive and determined outlook may mean the difference between a slow or speedy recovery.

  • Your Actions Make a Difference

    Your Actions Make a Difference

    If a stroke goes undetected or untreated for more than three hours, there is a strong possibility that more severe brain damage will occur, according to the NSA. However, this doesn’t mean that the effects of the stroke are completely irreversible. The course of treatment and success rate of stroke rehabilitation is highly personal. You can make a difference by approaching stroke recovery with patience and perseverance.