It's a frightening medical emergency when your spouse has a stroke. Immediately after the stroke, you're filled with worry over the consequences since a stroke can affect the body in so many different ways. However, it's often possible to recover from a stroke and regain lost body functions through stroke rehabilitation. Your spouse will probably start on rehab in the hospital once their condition is stabilized, but you may eventually need to find a stroke recovery treatment center for longer-term rehab. Here's why stroke recovery treatment is so important.

Your Spouse May Have Trouble Swallowing

One possible side effect of a stroke is trouble swallowing. This is a potentially serious problem that can be treated in stroke rehab. A therapist can work with your spouse to strengthen the swallowing muscles, reduce the risk of choking, and progress from thick liquids back to a normal diet when possible.

The Stroke May Cause Cognitive Issues

Problems with memory and information processing are common after a stroke. In rehab, your spouse receives a number of different treatments with the goal of restoring lost faculties when possible. Early intervention and treatment of lost cognitive abilities might reduce the risk of long-term memory loss and help your spouse function independently after the stroke.

Stroke Rehab Helps Restore Lost Body Control

One common effect of a stroke is loss of body control. Your spouse might lose the use of an arm or leg. In many cases, their brain can relearn how to control their body and the muscles can be strengthened so normal movement returns. Even if full restoration isn't possible, your spouse may at least be able to partially use the affected part of their body. When your spouse goes to a stroke rehab treatment center, they may need to learn how to walk again. If they've lost the use of an arm, the good arm may be restrained so the weak arm is engaged more frequently. A stroke can affect any part of the body depending on the location of a stroke in the brain, so your spouse's treatment will be tailored to their condition.

Your spouse may need to go to an inpatient rehab center initially to receive therapy multiple times a day. As they recover, they may transition to outpatient treatments and continue with exercises at home. Recovering from a stroke can be a long process, but with the assistance of rehab professionals, your spouse has a better chance of recovering to their best potential. If complete recovery is not possible, then you and your spouse will be taught how to adapt to limitations caused by the stroke.