If you're wondering what to say to a stroke survivor, or how to cheer up a stroke survivor, start with that very word: survivor. The term 'stroke victim' is often perceived as a negative label. It's much better to use the word 'stroke survivor' or even 'stroke warrior' – because that's what these individuals are!
How Does a Stroke Impact Life Expectancy? Despite the likelihood of making a full recovery, life expectancy after stroke incidents can decrease. Unfortunately, researchers have observed a wide range of life expectancy changes in stroke patients, but the average reduction in lifespan is nine and a half years.
Recovery time after a stroke is different for everyone—it can take weeks, months, or even years. Some people recover fully, but others have long-term or lifelong disabilities.
Weakness, paralysis, and problems with balance or coordination. Pain, numbness, or burning and tingling sensations. Fatigue, which may continue after you return home. Inattention to one side of the body, also known as neglect; in extreme cases, you may not be aware of your arm or leg.
In most cases you should use “I hope this helps”, but if you're intending to say, “I hope this will help”, then it will be better to use, “I hope to help.” meaning “I hope this is useful to you”.
Even after surviving a stroke, you're not out of the woods, since having one makes it a lot more likely that you'll have another. In fact, of the 795,000 Americans who will have a first stroke this year, 23 percent will suffer a second stroke.
A massive stroke commonly refers to strokes (any type) that result in death, long-term paralysis, or coma. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists three main types of stroke: Ischemic stroke, caused by blood clots. Hemorrhagic stroke, caused by ruptured blood vessels that cause brain bleeding.
What is the most common cause of death after a stroke?
Heart attacks are more likely after a stroke, as they are linked to many of the same risk factors and health problems. Seizures after a stroke. These are also linked with a greater chance of death and more serious disability.
“You don't have to be at 100% health to return home after a stroke,” says Raghavan. “If you can perform most of your regular daily activities in your home environment and/or you have family support to assist with these activities, you can go home.”
Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is a prevalent symptom among stroke survivors. This symptom is an independent risk factor for stroke and may reduce stroke survivors' quality of life, cognitive functioning, and daytime functional performance.
Some people will experience symptoms such as headache, numbness or tingling several days before they have a serious stroke. One study found that 43% of stroke patients experienced mini-stroke symptoms up to a week before they had a major stroke.
Aphasia doesn't affect intelligence. Stroke survivors remain mentally alert, even though their speech may be jumbled, fragmented or hard to understand.
