In the past, it has been commonly accepted knowledge that there is only a slight amount of time for those who have suffered a stroke to be treated and have favorable odds of a full recovery. This has been called the “window of recovery” and it has helped stroke and other emergency treatment centers to speed up their treatment times for suspected stroke patients, and this has seen favorable results. This in itself is a big step forward for stroke patient recovery, but more is still needed.
A recent study involving lab mice forced a second stroke in an area of the brain near where the first stroke occurred. The mice in this study were unable to use their front paws because of the stroke, but after the second stroke, they were able to begin to use them to feed themselves again. This happened after what previously would have been thought of as a point of no return. In other words, these mice were expected to never recover, but they did. This is a huge finding, but as you might have guessed, there are some difficulties ahead.
This is a study that was conducted on mice, remember. And although mice and humans share many characteristics from a medical viewpoint, they are not one hundred percent compatible. Also, this process is immoral to humans, and that is a huge setback for the positives that were gained from this. Still, it does create hope that strokes may be fully treated in the future, even if damage is seemingly irreparable now. It is a small step forward, but a step forward nonetheless.
For those that are currently dealing with disability now because of a stroke, there are a number of things that can be done to help with care. In-home care is a good place to start, simply because it changes so few variables at once. Your loved one can stay at home in a familiar place with the people they love, but have professional assistance in getting things done and staying safe throughout the day. This is best for people with only moderate disabilities, especially those that are still in the recovery phase of their treatment. It eliminates the dangers that can arise if they find themselves in an unfamiliar location, and it keeps their lives as much the same as they possibly could be. It also allows them to begin to recover in a place that they know and love.
Having a loved one that has suffered from a stroke is unpleasant for everyone, and it truly can be a test of your family’s love and resolve. Just know that you do not have to go through this alone. Caregivers are out there to help, and they can help relieve a good portion of the burden from you and your family. This doesn’t mean you are shirking duties, it just means that you are taking the appropriate steps to help your loved one without sacrificing the quality of the care you will be providing yourself.
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