What happened to a person after a stroke. How and how to treat a stroke. What are the consequences after a stroke? Help and support from relatives is an important factor for recovery

Hello, dear readers and guests of the site dedicated to neurorehabilitation. Talk today and take a closer look consequences of a stroke - Ischemic and hemorrhagic, as well as everything related to this.

The consequences of a stroke.

Violations of any functions after a stroke are directly dependent on its severity, and severity, in turn, on the size of the focus and its location in the brain.

The nature and persistence of the consequences of a stroke depends on the size of the focus in the brain and its location.

Of course, it will be fair to note that the size of the lesion and its localization are far from all the factors that determine the persistence of the depth of neurological disorders that the stroke caused, the consequences of which (the nature and severity of them) can seriously vary, depending on the particular case. What does it depend on?

The persistence of the consequences is strongly correlated with the time and scope of the treatment and rehabilitation, but we will talk about this a bit later, read on.

The degree of dysfunction after a stroke does not always have a persistent character. With a small stroke, the consequences may be minimal or even absent, but this does not happen so often. We will discuss cases when these consequences exist and they are persistent. We will analyze in more detail what exactly the consequences of a stroke are and in what they are expressed. The following are the most significant violations of body functions that occur after a stroke.

Right and left hemiparesis

One of the most common persistent effects of a stroke is a decrease in strength in half the body. As a rule, after a stroke, a decrease in muscle strength is observed in one of the sides of the body, which is opposite to the damaged hemisphere of the brain: if the persistent consequence is hemiparesis of the left side of the body, then the stroke occurs in the right hemisphere. According to the same principle, hemiparesis of the right side of the body, with which a stroke is observed in the left hemisphere. That is, the center of the heart attack in the brain is in the opposite affected half of the body of the hemisphere.

It also happens that a stroke leads to a complete lack of muscle strength in half the body, which is called hemiplegia. With hemiparesis, a person has difficulty in moving, with hemiplegia, difficulties are even more significant. Simply put, hemiplegia is paralysis in half the body (complete lack of movement).

The habitual movements in the body are disrupted, many people have to learn to re-perform normal everyday activities in order to be able to take care of themselves, be able to eat, change clothes and walk. In general, to do everything that before the disease was considered extremely simple and ordinary to perform. It is a decrease in muscle strength in half the body that is the main cause of human disability after a cerebrovascular accident. It is because of this that patients lose the ability to move independently, or lose this ability completely or it is significantly impaired.

As yours already described, the gait after a stroke can be disturbed often, while a person begins to move with great difficulty. In some cases, you may need auxiliary devices - special walkers, a walking stick or crutch. The characteristic Wernicke-Mann posture develops when walking. Individual parts of the body may suffer without involving the entire half of the body. Depending on the affected half of the body, there are left-sided and right-sided hemiparesis.

Central prosoparesis

Fig. 1. Central paresis of the facial muscles (central prozoparesis)

The next, one of the most frequent consequences is the so-called central prozoparesis, in which the facial muscles suffer, as a result of which the asymmetry of the face is observed, as in Figure 1. Moreover, a decrease in strength is observed not in the entire half of the face, but only in its lower part, capturing the mouth, cheek, lips.

Eyelids and eyes with this paralysis of facial muscles remain unaffected, despite this, the skew is noticeable enough and causes discomfort not only during meals or fluids. Central prozoparesis regresses as it recovers from a stroke.

With central prozoparesis, eating and drinking are difficult. A person experiences obvious discomfort when performing some actions with facial muscles. It is more difficult to express familiar emotions, due to a decrease in strength in the facial muscles, sound formation is disturbed and speech begins to suffer.

A tangible inconvenience brings the defect itself purely from the cosmetic side. A skewed face causes great emotional discomfort, especially when communicating with other people. This can cause isolation and renunciation of communication with others and cause deep depression.

Speech impairment

Speech disorders after a stroke are also quite common, at the same time it is one of the very first signs of an onset (upcoming) disturbance of cerebral circulation. Speech impairment is the result of damage to the speech centers of the brain, which is a partial or complete loss of the ability to speak and perceive other people's speech, called aphasia.

According to statistics, such a violation is observed in a quarter of all people who have experienced a stroke, their consequences can be quite persistent. Sometimes it’s difficult for a person to speak, because of a violation of the possession of the speech apparatus and the speech of such people is fuzzy, like “porridge in the mouth”, and this violation . Dysarthria more common with a stroke or localization of this focus in the cerebral cortex. The next speech disorder is aphasia.

Aphasia- This is a complete lack of speech. Aphasia can be of several types, we will name some of them - with the defeat of the speech center responsible for the pronunciation of speech, motor aphasia develops. When the focus of the stroke is located in the center of speech, responsible for its perception, the so-called sensory aphasia develops. With sensory aphasia, a person does not understand what they are told and does not understand what he needs to answer. When both centers are affected, mixed or sensory-motor aphasia. The "pure" form of aphasia is extremely rare, and in stroke most often it is a mixed form.

There are other types of speech disorders after a stroke, which we will discuss in detail in the following articles on speech disorders. And now let's move on ... In addition to the listed violations, the following consequences of a stroke.

Impaired coordination of movements

Disruption of blood circulation in the parts of the central nervous system responsible for the coordination of movements and as a result of a stroke can lead to coordination of movements, which is called ataxia. Violations of coordination of movements more often occurs with a stem stroke and this is due to the fact that in the stem part of the brain there are centers of coordination of movements in our body.

There are different degrees of severity. In the most favorable case, these vestibular disorders go away during the first day from the moment of acute cerebrovascular accident. In other, more severe cases, shakiness during walking and dizziness persist for a longer period and can last for months.

Visual impairment

There may be violations from the point of view of the most diverse nature. Visual impairment depends on the location of the stroke and the size of the focus. Most often, visual impairment manifests itself in the form visual field loss (hemianopsia). In this case, as you might have guessed, half or a quarter of the visual picture falls out. If a quarter of the picture is dropped, this is called quadrant hemianopsia.

Other consequences

Hearing impairment (hypoacusia), olfaction (hypo-, anosmia), loss of movement skills while maintaining their strength (apraxia) and other disorders that can and should be treated, rehabilitation in this case is very important and should be carried out in a timely manner.
Sensory impairment after a stroke.Sensory impairment after a stroke can be of a different nature, but most often it is a loss of the ability to feel pain, recognize heat, cold, and part of the body, as such. It is also possible the appearance of a pain syndrome, which has the most diverse character and localization. Most often, there is a decrease in sensitivity in any part of the body, this phenomenon is called hypesthesia.

These dysfunctions may well manifest themselves as the first signs of a stroke in the onset of the disease and persist for an indefinitely long time in the absence of an active restoration of impaired neurological functions.Please note that the severity of all these changes and their resistance directly depend on the size of the focus and the nature of the stroke. Read about the factors that play the main roles in the development of ischemic stroke and the formation of its consequences.

Depression

Depression- Another consequence of a stroke that can cross out any efforts of a doctor and loved ones to restore lost functions. According to some reports, up to 80% of stroke survivors suffer from depression to one degree or another. This is a rather serious consequence that can and should be treated.

In addition to the mood for recovery, an additional no less important “bonus” to eliminate depression will be an analgesic effect. It has long been proven that depression can exacerbate pain in a person, and with a stroke, pain is not a rare occurrence. Prescribing antidepressants can help solve this problem.

It is extremely important to prescribe the “right” antidepressant, as some of them can cause a “inhibitory effect”, which in some cases can also reduce a person’s desire to follow the doctor’s recommendations and activate for better rehabilitation.

A stroke, the consequences of which remained after a course of treatment in a hospital, is a frequent phenomenon. Such people need a full-fledged rehabilitation course, which often begins already in the hospital. The rehabilitation course itself is prescribed individually, depending on the severity and persistence of the consequences, as well as on the time that has passed since the stroke and the general condition of the patient.

If in the hospital it was not possible to fully restore the person after a stroke, then further treatment is preferably carried out in a specialized rehabilitation center.

Read about an example of such a rehabilitation center in an article.

A stroke of any type is a complex disease that strikes at the basic functions of the body, including the speech and musculoskeletal system, memory and heart function. To find out what cannot be done after a stroke will be interesting for patients who are diagnosed with this, and their relatives planning a schedule for their care. The speed of recovery depends on the success of the rehabilitation and compliance with the recommendations of the doctor. Many patients manage to return to normal life even after severe forms of stroke with additional pathologies.

Stroke recovery

Stroke Recovery Rate

It is possible to restore the vital functions of the body by making serious efforts, but this process can stretch for years. According to statistics, stroke patients recover only partially, because with this pathology, the brain is affected. Their relatives will have to prepare for a long recovery, the timing of which depends on the type of disease and the severity of the patient's condition.

Important! The initial stage of treatment takes place in stationary conditions, where the patient is taken out of an unconscious state and hemodynamic parameters are normalized. After discharge, doctors and close relatives should control his well-being.

A good effect is given by an additional healing course in a sanatorium or a specialized center where suitable conditions are created for a full recovery. It is much more difficult to organize recovery and further after discharge, but with proper care, approximately 85% of patients return to their usual lives after 1.5 years. The patient can achieve good results if he does not break the rules and fulfills all the instructions of the doctors.

Recommendations of doctors after a stroke

Classification of recovery periods after a stroke

The duration and sequence of recovery periods depends on the individual condition of a particular patient, changes in blood vessels and lesions. If the patient consistently follows the recommendations of the doctors, the duration of the rehabilitation period may be reduced.

Recovery phases are distinguished based on the results achieved. The early period takes at least six months, the late lasts up to a year, you can get a noticeable effect after a few years. Rehabilitologists distinguish 4 stages:

First month. This period is considered the most dangerous, since the survival of the patient depends on it. At this time, repeated heart attacks and strokes may occur, seizures and a noticeable worsening of the condition can be recorded. Dizzy and sore head. Treatment consists in eliminating cerebral edema, stimulating collateral circulation and preventing the development of complications.
Six months after a stroke. In the next six months, the patient will have to adapt to his psychological state and develop a clear plan of action. Of great importance is the patient’s attitude - if he is ready to resist the disease, improvement will come much faster.
The next six months. If for seven months the patient observed bed rest and diet, did not refuse to take medicine and ruled out possible complications, he manages to partially restore the lost functions, including speech and motor activity.
The second year after an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. A person who has suffered a disease is able to fully return to a previous life, while he will have to follow the doctor’s recommendations for life after a stroke.

The standard rehabilitation period is three years, but it all depends on changes in the work of the heart, the progression of ischemia and other concomitant pathologies, as well as many other factors. Each organism is individual, and the brain of an individual person has its own characteristics, for this reason, some patients require more or less time to recover.

Stroke Recovery Exercises

A list of typical complications after a stroke

Forecasts of doctors provide an opportunity to understand how long it will take to fully or partially restore vital functions. Rehabilitation should be started as soon as possible after stabilization of the general condition of the patient. His relatives should actively participate in the treatment, monitor the implementation of the plan, taking into account the changes, increase the load and set new goals for the patient. A stroke often causes many problems that arise during treatment:

Paralysis of the upper and lower extremities, weakness in the legs or hands. More often the patient paralyzes one part of the body, while he can independently rise to sit and even walk. The problem is eliminated with the help of physiotherapeutic and drug treatment, after the onset of visible improvements the patient will have to train and do exercises.
Cramps and increased muscle tone. Often paralyzed limbs remain in one position for a long time, which provokes problems with mobility. Specialists prescribe special medications, relaxing muscles, physiotherapy.
Speech problems. Partial or complete speech therapy speech impairment is noted in all patients who have had a stroke. Often, such patients lose the ability to write, the restoration of this function occurs under the supervision of a speech therapist.
Difficulty swallowing. Dysphagia or irregularities when swallowing food and liquids can provoke pneumonia if food enters the area of \u200b\u200bthe respiratory throat. This is due to damage to the nerves that are involved in swallowing function.
Vision problems. Often, after a stroke, patients have severely reduced vision, its partial loss is due to impaired brain function.
Disorders of the digestive tract and bladder. Urinary incontinence and constipation are a major problem for bedridden patients. Problems with the intestines arise due to a long stay in bed, they can be eliminated after correction of the diet, training of the pelvic muscles and increase of motor activity.

Epilepsy and mental disorders are another common complication. Stroke patients often experience depression, they are characterized by increased emotionality, anxiety, constant mood swings and inability to control themselves. Mental disorders can inhibit the recovery process, so doctors often prescribe special drugs with a calming effect. In the period from 6 months to 2 years, some patients develop epilepsy, requiring separate treatment.

Stroke

Restrictions on the recovery phase after a stroke

After returning to normal life, many patients want greater independence, for example, to start driving again, go to work and perform normal and everyday activities. Unfortunately, a stroke imposes a number of restrictions on many types of activities, such prohibitions greatly complicate the patient's life and negatively affect his emotional background. The ability to engage in one or another type of activity again depends entirely on the individual state of the organism.

Sports and physical activity after a stroke

Answering whether it is possible to go in for sports after a stroke, many doctors recommend including feasible and moderate exercise in the second recovery phase. Sport and physical activity restore muscle tissue, help the patient again learn how to control his body, strengthen the nervous system. While maintaining optimal activity, the likelihood of repeated strokes is significantly reduced. The first month of therapy is the most important after the illness and includes many procedures.

Important! Intensive fitness classes, visits to the standard sports center and pool are prohibited in the first stages of recovery. The patient should not engage in heavy sports. He is prescribed a specially designed set of exercises, taking into account the state, and gradually increase the load.

Such classes should be regular, only in this case they will bring real benefits. Swimming in the sea and swimming in the pool for several months of the rehabilitation period is prohibited.

Light loads positively affect the nervous system, develop the heart muscle, reduce excitability and increase the body's resistance to stress in both women and men. Feasible exercises have a positive effect on the respiratory system, increase lung capacity and enable the brain to receive more oxygen.

Sports after a stroke

A visit to the bath and sauna after a stroke

Many are interested in whether it is possible to go to the bath after a stroke, and how a steam room will affect the functioning of the brain and other body systems. Doctors allow visits to the bath, but in each case, the patient will need to undergo an examination, including MRI, and get additional consultation. Due to the possible development of complications, water procedures can worsen the condition or lead to a sudden death. During the first year after a stroke, trips to the bathhouse are strictly prohibited.

Important! When asked whether it is possible to go to the sea after a stroke, doctors usually recommend waiting at least six months. After the first improvement, a trip to the sea is shown as a restorative therapy, taking into account the requirements of neurology.

If recovery is normal, brain damage is insignificant, and scarring of necrotic tissue occurs at a fast pace, short-term visits to the steam room will do more good than harm. If the patient takes a steam bath in the bath and goes to the sauna, observing all safety measures, then in a short time he will notice the effect. The list of pluses of a bath and a sauna after a stroke includes vasodilation and relaxation of the motor apparatus, improved blood supply and intensive nerve cell nutrition.

Bath after a stroke

The nutrition of patients is of great importance and directly affects recovery. Compliance with the diet recommended by the doctor will help significantly reduce the rehabilitation period and improve the general condition of the patient. The diet should include foods that reduce blood clots and thin the blood. It is recommended to eat lean meat and fish, more boiled or stewed vegetables, fresh fruits, berries and greens, nuts, beekeeping products, healthy carbohydrates in the form of cereals.

To the question of whether it is possible to drink black coffee after a stroke, doctors usually recommend temporarily giving up this drink and prefer weak tea or herbal decoctions. The list of prohibited foods includes fatty meat and lard, dairy products with a high content of fat, mayonnaise, smoked meats, spicy, fried and salty foods. They should be abandoned for the entire rehabilitation period in order to maintain health and accelerate healing. Additional recommendations include:

the exclusion of alcohol, coffee and tobacco, negatively affecting the recovery of brain cells and the functioning of the immune system;
minimizing the use of sugar and salt, which adversely affect blood vessels and the circulatory system;
the exception and diet of foods containing large amounts of cholesterol and transgenic type fats;
reduced intake of wheat flour dishes.

Home-made meals should be fractional and combined with a schedule for taking medications and medications. Many patients who have had an ischemic stroke have problems with swallowing, which are recorded in the hospital and persist after discharge home. For this reason, the diet in the first days of the recovery period should be sparing. The patient should receive a large amount of liquid and food in pureed or liquid form. Healthy and fresh food in combination with a full regimen will help the patient recover faster and return to normal life.

Nutrition after a stroke

Important limitations for stroke patients

The general list of restrictions depends on the severity of the patient’s condition, the type of stroke and additional complications that will be recorded at the examination stage. Ignoring contraindications and the advice of the attending physician can cause impaired motor and other functions, vision problems, provoke a repeated massive heart attack or stroke.

It is recommended that the patient eat right, follow the advice of a doctor and not skip taking medications. Since a stroke is accompanied by a violation of many important functions, often the patient requires constant care.

Patient care

Drinking alcohol even in small quantities is strictly prohibited during the entire recovery period - the risk of a repeated stroke is noticeably increased for the drinker. Alcohol negatively affects the work of the cerebellum, increases pressure, increases pain in the head, which can put pressure on the neck. Patients with circulatory disorders develop speech disorders, problems with memory, motor functions and emotions. Such people should be supervised by relatives and doctors throughout the entire treatment period. The list of restrictions includes:

Strong emotional stress and nervous strain. The patient should not engage in physical labor and experience stress.
Car driving. It is forbidden to drive a car for 3-6 months after a disease. If we are talking about the most severe form of pathology, this ban will be permanent.
Traveling by plane is prohibited for at least two weeks after diagnosis. In the most complex form of the disease, flights should be suspended for a period of at least one month, and a re-examination will be required before the planned trip.

The combination of proper nutrition, physiotherapy, for example, acupuncture, taking medications prescribed by a doctor, and following the correct regimen will help restore vital functions in the shortest possible time and eliminate the occurrence of repeated complications. Comprehensive rehabilitation makes it possible to return to a full-fledged routine of the day, to which the patient is accustomed to before the onset of a stroke.

A set of exercises after a stroke to restore walking, how to speed up the rehabilitation process? How long can a person live after a stroke, prognosis and symptoms

So, the stroke did happen. Behind the weary days of experiences for the life of a loved one. You were not allowed to resuscitation. They refused to name medicines that you could and would like to buy. Doctors argued that all that is necessary for the patient is there, but not so much is needed. Neurologists were in no hurry to provide information about the forecasts, limiting themselves to the foggy "stable stable condition."

But you or your loved one felt better. Allowed to get up and walk. And, finally, they were discharged under the supervision of a neurologist and therapist at a polyclinic.

Everything seems to be simple and clear. A lot of useful information is reported by the attending physician at discharge. This is also written thesis in the discharge epicrisis, which the patient receives in his hands.

But, apparently, the stress from all the negative events is so strong that few people listen to people in white coats. Therefore, a typical situation is when a person with a recent stroke comes to see a polyclinic neurologist, who is sure that a six-month dropper with a magic “vascular” drug is a guarantee of the absence of a repeated stroke, and nothing more needs to be done.

Therefore, I decided to write this post in which I want to talk about life after a stroke, about what to do and what not to do in order to avoid a repeated vascular catastrophe.

Myths about life after a stroke

Let's immediately deal with common folk speculation, which have nothing to do with reality.

Droppers. There is not a single dropper that could significantly reduce the neurological deficit in a patient who has suffered a stroke. There will not be a magical improvement when a person could not speak and suddenly the speech recovered immediately, the hand did not work - and suddenly the muscle strength became the same. There is not a single dropper that would at least slightly reduce the risks of a second stroke.

"Vascular" and nootropic drugs. For some reason, the attention of stroke patients and their relatives is riveted to this group of drugs. I will name a few of them: vinpocetine, trental, piracetam, mexidol, actovegin, cerebrolysin, cortexin. They are considered a panacea for stroke. That is, it is widely believed that you can score for everything, but go to a neurologist to prescribe drugs from these groups, and then drink / drip all this stuff for a month or two - you must. Otherwise, a repeated stroke.

In fact, these drugs do not help to avoid repeated stroke. Matched wisely, they help reduce cognitive impairment (improve memory, attention), remove dizziness and do something else. This helps to slightly improve the quality of life of the patient, but this is not the main thing.

Bed rest. Surprisingly many people are sure that a stroke is an occasion to move as little as possible. Ideally, lock yourself in your apartment and move from the bed to the TV to the refrigerator and back. Depression, which is a frequent companion of stroke patients, also does not affect the desire to move.

In Russia, post-stroke depression is usually given a little attention, it’s understandable: prescribing antidepressants to a mountain of drugs (without exaggeration, these are 10-15 drugs every day) is a problem that the doctor does not want to think about. Because for this you will need to convince the patient to abandon 4-5 positions on the list, which are not really needed, but go ahead and prove to the patient that drinking trental with phezam all year round is not necessary.

Course treatment with medicines. Another mistake is to tune in to the fact that after a stroke it is enough to limit yourself to a course intake of drugs. This is not true. It is hard to accept the fact that now you have to drink a handful of pills for life. Daily. Without missing a reception. But this is only one of a series of changes that will have to get used to.

How life is changing after a stroke

Tablets. Here is a list of drugs a stroke patient usually takes:

Antihypertensive. Ideally, a cardiologist selects pills for pressure. In parallel, the specialist corrects rhythm disturbances, if any. It is important to remember that, for example, atrial fibrillation is a serious risk factor for stroke, and therefore it must be dealt with.

Statins. Cholesterol preparations are another important component of treatment. That is why doctors shake the patient, asking him to donate his blood to the lipid spectrum at least once every six months. Statins help normalize this lipid spectrum and stop the formation of new atherosclerotic plaques, and therefore reduce the risk of re-stroke.

Antiaggregants. Blood thinners, aspirin and company.

This also includes drugs to normalize blood glucose levels in diabetics. If a stroke has occurred, the selection and taking of these medicines should be doubled with enthusiasm, because the absence of an excess of blood sugar is a significant plus that reduces the risk of a repeated stroke in a diabetic.

Visit to the doctors. For some reason, it is generally accepted that patients after a stroke are the “property” of neurologists. It's not like that at all. Go to a neurologist if the condition does not worsen and new neurological symptoms appear, once every six months. It is much more useful to turn your eyes to the cardiologist and endocrinologist (because there is nothing more important than normal pressure and normal blood glucose level). It sometimes makes sense to visit an optometrist to see how things are on the fundus.

Surveys. Here are some tests you need to watch every six months:

General analysis of blood and urine,
- blood glucose,
- lipid spectrum of blood.

Examinations should be followed by an ECG (and other examination methods, if they are prescribed by a cardiologist - an ultrasound of the heart, halter, etc.) once every six months and a duplex examination of brachiocephalic vessels (ultrasound of the cervical vessels is "common") once a year or two years.

After a stroke, you do not need to do an MRI of the head every year, in the hope that post-stroke changes will resolve. They will not go anywhere. But the good news is that the brain has the property of neuroplasticity.

Surviving neurons will partly take on the responsibilities of the deceased. New neural connections form. All this requires effort, patience and consistency from the patient. And they will most likely be rewarded: speech will become better, muscle strength in a weakened limb will increase, etc. On MRI, we will not see this - all improvements will occur clinically.

Rehabilitation. In addition to what I have already listed, this is a massage of the limbs, as well as classes with a specialist in physiotherapy and a speech therapist. Still - the help of a psychologist or psychotherapist. This is something that Germany and Israel can do so well, and they do not do it very well with us. The problem is that the rehabilitation departments of our state hospitals only take “pretty,” that is, more or less safe patients. Those with high rehabilitation potential. Those who do not have serious concomitant diseases. And everyone needs rehabilitation ...

Rehabilitation after a stroke is still a problem for Russia. Patients and their relatives focus on knocking out droppers from the local therapist and buying expensive drugs. And the importance of real work with the patient fades into the background. It is not right. If the means are limited, it is important to understand that, for example, it is better to choose to visit a speech therapist instead of “digging” Actovegin.

Physical activity. Moving is a must. But it is important to discuss with the neurologist the type of physical activity that you plan to do. Many patients with a joyful cry: "Cottage - this is fitness!" rush to the beds and under the scorching sun for hours weeds begin to weed. There they often get a second stroke, but in this position - booty up. Because the pressure rises, and in general pastime in the middle of the beds is a serious burden on the circulatory system.

But swimming, walking, running (provided that not so much weight and joints allow) and even dancing - why not. The main thing is regularity and moderation. In other words, dull lying on the couch with the confidence that life is over is just as harmful as pulling weights in the gym every day. A stroke is an occasion to make friends with your body, listen to it and look for the optimal type of physical activity (having discussed it with your doctor, of course).

Bad habits. I hope everyone is clear that every night they will have to give up smoking and drinking a liter of beer. In fact, a very small percentage of my patients listen to this recommendation.

Of my practice, 10 percent of patients seriously change their lives. Usually these are women. It seems to me that their motivation to follow the doctor’s recommendations is connected with what they have to live for: interesting work, hobbies, children and grandchildren, husband. The rest smoke and drink as before the illness. And often a second stroke becomes fatal for them.

Disability and work. Previously, almost everyone who had a stroke could count on disability. Now the requirements for referring the patient to determine the disability group have become more stringent. Not so long ago I had a patient with the consequences of an ischemic stroke in the stem structures: fuzzy speech, awkwardness in my right hand (there was no noticeable muscle weakness, but it became difficult to hold a pen and write) and terrible weakness. Disability was not given to him - it was assumed that he could work as a turner. I have had many similar cases this year.

Therefore, a good rehabilitation after a stroke is not empty words. Our state, alas, needs sick people less and less. They are needed only by ourselves and relatives.

And so it is so important to prioritize the treatment of a person who has had a stroke, and also to understand that not everything depends on the Lord God and the attending physician, and much can be changed by the patient himself.

A cerebrovascular accident or stroke is a serious illness, often leading to death.

Many of those who have suffered a stroke lose their ability to work, become disabled.

Can patients return to a full life and how much they live after a stroke? We will answer this question in the article.

Not so long ago, a violation of the blood supply to the brain was considered a disease of fairly mature people.

The factors causing it (hypertension, heart failure, atherosclerosis) were most often observed after 45 - 50 years.

But today, the stroke has "rejuvenated." Vascular accidents affect at an earlier age. This makes it difficult to diagnose the disease in a timely manner. Doctors sometimes take organic lesions of the nervous system as a psychogenic disorder.

The blood circulation of the brain is severely disturbed as a result of two main reasons.A condition where blood vessels narrow or clog, depriving a portion of the brain of a supply is called an ischemic stroke. Hemorrhagic stroke is a hemorrhage in the brain or in its shell as a result of rupture of blood vessels.

What triggers ischemic stroke in young and middle age:

atherosclerosis, hypertension - characteristic causes of acute vascular accidents in patients of both sexes;
cardiogenic embolism, rheumatism of the heart, prolonged use of oral contraceptives - risk factors for women;
neck vessel injuries are male risk factors.

Another type of stroke - hemorrhagic is caused in both men and women:

arterial hypertension;
arteriovenous aneurysms and other pathologies of cerebral vessels;
systemic blood diseases.

There are a number of factors contributing to the development of strokes of any form:

infectious diseases - meningitis, encephalitis, tuberculosis;
benign and malignant brain tumors;
increased blood coagulation;
improper lifestyle - smoking, alcohol abuse, overeating, causing excess weight, physical inactivity, stressful conditions.

During the bearing of a child, women are prone to hemorrhagic stroke more often than men by 8 to 9 times.

Strokes in the elderly

After reaching 55 years of age, the risk of developing circulatory disorders of the brain increases, doubling every next 10 years.

Three quarters of cases occur in patients who are 65 years of age or older.

At this age, repeated strokes are 3 times more likely than in younger people who have undergone a vascular attack.

In the elderly, the disease is more complicated and the consequences of the disease are more severe. This may be caused by:

age-related physiological changes in the brain;
severe hypertension, poorly treatable;
the presence of atrial fibrillation and other heart diseases;
elevated cholesterol, which is deposited on the walls of blood vessels;
various chronic diseases.

In old age, as a result of an extensive stroke, loss of consciousness and coma occurs.After that, it is extremely difficult to fully restore consciousness. Therefore, the prognosis for the post-stroke period is often disappointing.

More often, older people develop an ischemic form of stroke. But in any case, the disease is more aggressive, brain tissue is affected more quickly, paralysis occurs more often, recovery is difficult, and the degree of disability is high. Elderly people are more likely to die from a stroke.

How many years do people live after a stroke?

Statistics show that life expectancy after a hemorrhage may be 10 years or more, but at the same time in the most severe cases, mortality immediately after a stroke is not excluded.

The results of observations showed:

in the first month after the onset of a stroke, a fatal outcome occurs in 30 to 35% of patients;
during the first year after a stroke, half of the patients die.

Repeated disturbances in the blood supply to the brain are dangerous. On average, if after the first stroke the life expectancy is about 9 years, then the second attack greatly reduces the life expectancy - from 2 to 3 years.

How many people live after a second stroke:

the probability in the first year is observed in 5-15% of patients;
within 5 years - in 42% of men and in 25% of women.

The reason is that the factors leading to a vascular catastrophe, after its first manifestation, remain in the body - a predisposition to blood clots in the vessels, damage to arteries as a result of atherosclerosis, hypertension, cardiac pathologies.

Life expectancy after a stroke depends on several factors:

The severity of the attack, the volume of brain damage - the degree of attack is so high that it leads to death or a shorter life span.
The consequences of a vascular catastrophe - extensive paralysis dooms the patient to a lying position. Without proper care, this is fraught with the development of pneumonia and pressure sores.
General state of health.
Immobility after an illness causes thrombosis in the legs. Having broken off, a blood clot can enter the lungs, cause thromboembolism and lead to death.
Age is an important factor. Younger people usually live longer after a stroke.
Ensuring the safety of the patient - eliminate possible falls due to dizziness and weakness in the legs. Fractures, especially the femoral neck, in older people are treated with great difficulty.

Each subsequent stroke carries the greatest risk to the patient. We will talk about the prognosis of a repeated stroke. And also about how to avoid relapse.

Stroke Death Statistics

Stroke takes the second place in the sad list of diseases from which most people die, ischemic heart disease leads here.

Every year, around 6 million people suffer from cerebrovascular accidents worldwide. In Russia, 450 thousand strokes are diagnosed annually, and for this reason, four times more patients die than in North America.

The statistics are as follows:

mortality from vascular catastrophes is higher in women - about 39%;
in men, the mortality rate is from 25 to 29%;
ischemic attacks of the brain are recorded much more often - in more than 80% of cases, mortality from them is about 37%;
with hemorrhagic strokes, death rates are higher - up to 82% of patients die.

How long a patient will live after a stroke, largely depends on himself and his environment. The patient must adhere to all the recommendations of the attending physician, and the task of relatives is to surround the loved one with care and help him in rehabilitation after a serious illness.

How many live after a stroke

What is the life expectancy of an average person after a stroke? This question worries most people with this diagnosis. It is from the answer to this question that the patient’s future life, its quality and rhythm depend.

After all, you will definitely have to change a number of habits and follow certain rules in order to recover as quickly as possible. Traditionally, life expectancy does not decrease significantly, although, as medical statistics show, stroke survivors generally live 3-6 years less. The average duration is about 65-70 years, provided that the doctor's recommendations are followed unconditionally.

Statistics say that life after a stroke becomes different, and for full recovery you have to make efforts. Regarding mortality, the following statistics exist:

up to 45 years, no more than a quarter of all patients who are diagnosed with this die;
after 50 years, the rate rises to 40%;
after 70 years, only 20% of patients can survive a stroke (without the possibility of full recovery).

Aggravating factors

Most often the representatives of the weaker sex suffer from this disease, but it also happens in men. 40% of patients need rehabilitation measures, and 50% of this number remain disabled for life. It is especially difficult for people who are at risk. The following factors increase the likelihood of a stroke:

hypertension;
previously transferred microstroke (more about it)
obesity;
diabetes;
vascular disease;
abuse of alcohol, coffee, tobacco;
increased physical activity;
emotional overstrain;
uncontrolled intake of certain groups of drugs;
pregnancy;
traumatic brain injury;
mental disorders;
senile age.

In order to prevent ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke, in the presence of at least one of these risk factors, it is necessary to regularly undergo a preventive examination and, if necessary, go to the hospital for treatment. In the first months after a stroke, recovery is faster than subsequently.

Factors Affecting Life Span After a Stroke

The subsequent life after a stroke will depend on the type of disease, the degree of damage and the presence of additional background diseases. There are a number of circumstances that can both facilitate and complicate the course of the underlying disease and the process of restoration of brain cells. So, here are the key factors that have a direct impact on the healing process:

Lesion area. It affects the future life of the patient. In the case of an extensive lesion, the cells are so damaged that they no longer recover. Because of this, the functioning of the brain is disrupted, which leads to malfunctions of other systems and organs and even to the death of the patient.
The consequences of a stroke. Patients suffering from paralysis, impaired speech function, sensitivity, mental disorders are unlikely to lead a normal and full life. If they manage to recover, then only partially. Forecasts are unfavorable because these conditions lead to pressure sores, intoxication, and other complications. All these phenomena significantly reduce life expectancy.
Age features. The recovery process after a stroke is the least likely for older people. The fact is that their cells do not have the ability to quickly update, they often develop inflammatory processes, vascular pathologies, there are repeated hemorrhages, heart attacks. Even if patients manage to survive the attack itself, in case of nervous overstrain, an attack of hypertension there is a risk of a repeated stroke. In addition, women are much more likely to recover than men, due to their physiological characteristics. Therefore, the general condition of the patient also depends on age and gender.
Continued immobility. When a patient recovers from a stroke, he is often unable to move due to paralysis, paresis. If we neglect the implementation of the rehabilitation program, gradually the muscles lose their tone, and the blood supply to the internal organs worsens. This leads to thrombosis, tissue necrosis, intoxication. Therefore, the condition worsens even more, inflammation, infectious processes, and cardiovascular diseases develop. Such a patient has much less time to live than a person who moves regularly, does exercises and has a positive attitude.
Localization of the disease. Of course, the prognosis directly depends on the location of the affected areas. Ischemia can affect the tissues that the blood supply to the carotid artery, main and vertebral, and their branches. In addition, ischemic stroke of the brain is the most dangerous condition that reduces the chances of survival. Hemorrhagic stroke most often affects the shell (in 55% of cases), the thalamus, cerebellum, and brain stem.

No one can give an unambiguous answer to the question related to life expectancy after a stroke. This is due to the individual characteristics of each organism. However, according to statistics, about 35% of deaths occur in the first month after a disease, and 50% of patients die during the first year. In any case, one recommendation should be followed: to lead a healthy lifestyle. It is he who will help to avoid complications, extend life and make it more fulfilling.

Lifestyle after a stroke

In order for life after a stroke to be not only long, but also happy, it is necessary to consult a specialist in a timely manner. This step is relevant for those who are only at risk, and for people who have already suffered a brain disease. The doctor will conduct a comprehensive examination and offer an individual course of therapy and prevention. It may include:

taking medication
cure of chronic pathologies that aggravate the general condition;
diet food
massage,
physiotherapy,
surgical intervention.

After taking adequate and timely measures, we should talk about the full restoration and prevention of the appearance of foci of inflammation. After all, the disease often ends in disability or death for the reason that in 70% of cases, patients postpone a visit to doctors for an indefinite time.

Recovery period

Recovery from a previous pathology involves the use of certain medications. These are tablets, drops, injections, solutions. Most often, doctors prescribe neurostimulants, coagulants, nootropic drugs, etc. Traditionally, the duration of the course is at least 5 months, and it is important that the reception continues even when the disease recedes and the symptoms subside. Drug therapy, carried out under the supervision of a doctor, provides:

restoration of damaged cells;
regulation of metabolic processes;
improving the supply of brain cells with oxygen;
activation of blood circulation in the damaged area.

If a person after a stroke has stopped taking these drugs, the damaged parts of the brain will not fully recover, and the body will not be able to fully function. If you refuse to take drugs that stop seizures, this will lead to a relapse of the disease and, most likely, to a fatal outcome or coma.

In the first month, rehabilitation of patients involves the following activities:

stay in a specialized department of the hospital for 2-4 weeks, depending on the degree of damage;
restoration of brain cells located near the lesion, using special medical measures;
muscle recovery. This requires therapeutic exercises, moderate physical activity;
massage.

If the above measures gave the desired effect, the doctors proceed to the stage of discharge and subsequent rehabilitation, which includes:

restoration of speech function by conducting special exercises;
compliance with the principles of good nutrition;
regular walks in the fresh air.

Compliance with the therapeutic diet is the basis of the rehabilitation after a stroke. This is especially true in situations where the patient is overweight or elevated blood sugar. The menu should include foods with a lot of fiber, as well as observe the principle of fractional nutrition (eating food in small portions, but often). The following products are prohibited:

pork and other fatty meats;
high fat fish;
smoked products;
sausages;
dairy products with a high percentage of fat content;
baking, baking;
grapes;
legumes (lentils, peas, beans, chickpeas, beans);
soda;
tea and coffee.

It is best to give preference to a vegetarian diet (soup, stewed vegetables, cereals). You can include dried fruits, herbal decoctions in the diet.

Such a diet will allow not only to get rid of excess weight, but also to normalize blood circulation and prevent a repeated stroke.

Prevention of Recurrent Stroke

The likelihood of a second attack increases if the simplest recovery rules are not followed. During the first few days after the disease, special attention must be paid to prevent relapse. Each subsequent defeat is fraught with even more serious deviations in the work of the body, the psyche. The most serious threat at this stage is death.

In order to avoid such consequences, it is necessary to find out the causes of the disease, conduct a series of preventive procedures, coordinate rehabilitation measures with the doctor. Next, you should take the medications prescribed by your doctor and regularly undergo an examination.

An important role is played by the rejection of bad habits (drinking alcohol, smoking), prohibited foods (sweets, smoked meats, fast food) and dieting, since not only the probability of a second attack depends on nutrition, but also the general state of health. In addition, there are a number of rules, following which will reduce the risk of relapse:

change in eating habits;
getting rid of extra pounds;
regular walks;
physical education classes;
treatment of chronic diseases;
constant monitoring by a doctor.

The doctor individually will tell each patient how to do things to prolong life and improve its quality. He will also set the maximum acceptable blood pressure, which will need to be maintained.

In addition, the doctor will make a list of medicines that need to be taken for a speedy recovery. In order to reduce the likelihood of relapse, you should take a blood test and determine the content of glucose in it. This will reduce the likelihood of a second stroke.

Thus, each patient lives after a stroke for a different number of years. This mainly depends on his gender, age, degree of damage as a result of the disease, localization of the lesion and other factors.

A competent approach to the rehabilitation and prevention of re-stroke guarantees not only an increase in life expectancy, but also an improvement in the general condition. The patient will be able to return to his usual rhythm and feel wonderful.