How long do the consequenses of a stroke last?

There is no straightforward answer as to how long the consequences of stroke will last.

The recovery time needed will depend on the severity of the stroke.¹

Every stroke is different, and may leave patients with problems relating to how their body works.^2,3

Why does this happen?

• The brain is the control centre of our body.² 
• Different areas of our brains are responsible for controlling the different aspects of our body and mental functions.² 
• Stroke causes injury to the brain: some brain cells die and others are damaged.² 
• The location and degree of injury to the brain can affect how the body
  works.^2-5 
• The brain injury caused by a stroke leaves many patients with functional problems.^2-5
  

Some common problems after stroke 2,5

• Weakness/paralysis
• Difficulty with mental processing (eg thinking, memory)
• Dysphasia (difficulty with language)
• Difficulty with swallowing
• Problems with balance
• Emotional disturbance
• Problems with bladder control
• Problems with bowel control
  
  
• As every stroke is different, stroke survivors will not necessarily be left with the same types, or severity, of problems.
  

How long do problems last?

• The consequences of stroke can be short- or long-lasting.⁴ 
• After stroke some brain cells may be only temporarily affected, not killed, and may resume functioning.⁴ 
• Other parts of the brain may ‘take over’ the function of a damaged area of the brain.⁴ 
• These processes may help some stroke survivors to recover from stroke over months or years.² 
• Some stroke survivors (up to 30%) are left permanently disabled and many require institutional care.¹ 
• If rehabilitation support is available in your country, they may teach stroke survivors how to cope with or adapt to the long-term consequences of stroke.⁵ 
• It’s important to remember that ‘best possible recovery’ and the time taken to reach it will be different for every patient.
  

Every stroke is different. It affects people in different ways. Some people have symptoms for a short time, for others they are long-lasting.    

“I didn’t think I’d be able to stand or walk again after the stroke. But one day the physiotherapist stood me up with the help of a walker, and I thought maybe, yes maybe, I could do this. I took a couple of steps with her help and it was then that I knew I was going to get better.”Monica, aged 73 years old.

References 

1. American Heart Association. Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics – 2006 Update.
2. The Stroke Association. Leaflet: What is a stroke?
3. World Health Organization et al. Avoiding Heart Attacks and Strokes. Don’t be a victim. Protect yourself.
4. National Stroke Association’s Complete Guide to Stroke.  
5. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Post-Stroke Rehabilitation Fact Sheet.