The cure of a visual disorder after a stroke
The healing process of a stroke is very different for each individual. It depends on the extent of the damaged area, the start of therapy and the rehabilitation measures. In addition, each person has a different reserve capacity.
The less the brain is pre-damaged, by small micro-infarcts or trauma, the higher the reserve capacity. For this reason, younger patients also have a better prognosis. In addition, the brain exhibits neuronal plasticity.
This means that nerve cells from other brain regions can partially take over the function of the dead cells. This can lead to a clinical improvement of the symptoms. Progress can be observed especially in visual field deficits.
The cure for blindness, however, is unlikely. The healing process can be positively influenced by early rehabilitation. The neuronal plasticity or the reorganization of the brain takes place mainly in the first 6 months after a stroke. For this reason, rehabilitation measures should be initiated as early as possible.
You can do this yourself to improve the healing
To improve the healing process, the first step would be self-motivation. The affected patients should take the rehabilitation and physiotherapy seriously and, if necessary, perform the exercises independently at home. In addition, risk factors such as nicotine and alcohol should be avoided.
If there is no physical limitation, it is recommended to go for a walk regularly to improve circulation and blood flow. Swimming or yoga are also suitable sports.In addition, a balanced diet can be taken into account. Mediterranean food, with lots of vegetables, olive oil and fish is particularly suitable for this.
It protects the vessels from calcification or prevents the progression of calcification. Since a stroke not only causes physical symptoms but also represents a mental strain, it should be dealt with openly. Support from relatives or psychological care can provide considerable relief.
The long-term consequences
The long-term consequences can be differently pronounced. They depend on the location and extent of the damaged area. It also depends on the healing process.
If the brain was only slightly damaged, it can recover from the stroke more quickly. Reorganization also plays a role here – nerve cells from other areas are able to partially take over the function of the dead cells. For this reason, some symptoms may improve clinically or even disappear completely.
Mild visual disturbances, dizziness and gait disorders, for example, can improve over time as the body gets used to them and develops other strategies to deal with them. However, the prognosis for complete blindness is not particularly good. This symptom usually persists.
The affected patients must try to adapt to everyday life with suitable aids. Further long-term consequences can be changes in the nature of the person. One patient becomes particularly aggressive, while others lose their drive and suffer from depression. In general, however, it can be said that symptoms that still persist after 6 months are very likely to persist.
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