Why Motivation is Important After a Stroke
Experiencing a stroke can be devastating. The body and brain no longer operate as they did before the event. The person’s ability to function and be independent may be severely impacted. Yet, sustaining motivation is the key to recovery.
Why Motivation is Important After a Stroke
How Does a Person Recover from a Stroke?
The effects of a stroke depend on which side of the brain was involved, how serious the injury is, and the patient’s overall health at the time. While some people recover fully within a few weeks, others go on to develop a long-term disability and need help to cope with the tasks of daily living.
The first step after a stroke is to stabilize the patient. In the early days, the patient will probably be in the ICU and be monitored around the clock. Oxygen might be needed and treatment for hypertension and blood sugar imbalances. Care will be taken to prevent further blood clots from occurring. CT or MRI scans will be done to assess the damage. A physical clot may be removed surgically.
After the initial emergency treatment and stabilization, the focus shifts to rehabilitation. Depending on which part of the brain was damaged and the loss of functionality that resulted, the health care team will develop a rehabilitation program. This will involve teaching other parts of the brain to take over the tasks of the destroyed brain matter and exercises for affected limbs.
How Long Does Recovery Take?
The hospital may offer extended treatment for two or three weeks after which arrangements are made for more permanent care. If the patient is returning home, family members will need to be taught how to care for the patient, and the environment may have to be adapted. If the home is not suitable, there are institutions you can approach, such as McKnight Place extended care, for assistance with stroke recovery.
The period in which the most recovery takes place is in the weeks and months immediately following the stroke. Thereafter, recovery slows down, although improvements can continue up to a year and a half later.
It is vital to make the most of those early weeks. This is why motivation is critical.
The Need to Sustain Motivation
One of the key aims of rehabilitation is to establish new neural pathways to take over from the damaged brain tissue. The window of opportunity for this is the first two to three months after the stroke. It can be difficult, yet it is essential, to work with the various therapists and to do the recommended exercises constantly between sessions. These movements are designed to retrain the brain and regain the functionality of body parts affected by the stroke.
A stroke is a life-altering event that may cause feelings of despair, hopelessness, and loss. Patients are often demotivated at the crucial time when strong motivation is needed. They will go through the stages of grief but cannot afford the time to do this separately from rehabilitation, which will require their greatest reserves of will.
Sustaining motivation is not only possible but has been mastered by every stroke victim that recovered fully.
