The effects of a stroke look different among different stroke survivors, and that’s because each stroke is unique to the person who experienced it. Your brain biology plays a major role in determining the effects of a stroke, as well as the most appropriate stroke rehabilitation strategies.
How Affected Areas of the Brain Influence Post-Stroke Functioning
In addition to the type of stroke you experience, the location of the stroke dictates the types of post-stroke issues that a stroke survivor experiences. For example, strokes in the following areas of the brain will be associated with specific types of functional impairments:- Frontal lobe – Limitations in executive functioning, such as problem-solving, personality changes
- Parietal lobe – Language issues (difficulty speaking, writing or reading) and difficulty interpreting sensory inputs
- Occipital lobe – Vision issues, such as central vision loss or hallucinations
- Hippoocampus – Deficits in memory and spatial orientation
- Cerebellum – Voluntary movement issues like coordination, muscle control and balance difficulties
What Is Neuroplasticity And Why Does It Matter To Stroke Survivors?
According to Oxford Languages, neuroplasticity is defined as “the ability of the brain to form and reorganize synaptic connections, especially in response to learning or experience or following injury.” Those synaptic connections influence basically everything we do. Many strokes damage at least some of those connections, which, in turn, negatively affects functioning. However, new connections can form due to the brain’s neuroplasticity to regain some of that functioning or learn new ways of doing things. Accordingly, neuroplasticity facilitates the patient’s ability to achieve stroke rehabilitation treatment goals. How can you leverage neuroplasticity as a powerful tool in your stroke rehabilitation? Consider these tips:- Start immediately because neuroplasticity is most powerful in the immediate aftermath of the stroke
- Expose yourself to novel activities to create new neural circuits
- Repeat those new activities often in order to reinforce your brand new neural circuits