Caring for a stroke survivor

Education

Caring for a stroke survivor

Supporting your loved one after stroke

If your loved one has had a stroke, you’re probably wondering how you can best support them. Stroke survivors face significant challenges, and as their caregiver, you have the ability to be a strong support system. One of the most important ways to help is by understanding how to provide emotional support during their recovery.

What is a care partner?

At Kandu Health, we define a care partner as an unpaid friend or family member sharing care for someone living with the effects of a stroke. The care partner takes a role in managing the stroke survivor’s health and recovery.
We use the term care partner instead of caregiver because we recognize that you and your survivor act as a team during recovery. Stroke survivors may identify one or more care partners and those care partners may change over time based on bandwidth and the survivors’ needs. Kandu is committed to maximizing each survivor’s agency over both their identity and health and uses the term ‘care partner’ to reinforce this idea.

Don’t blame the stroke survivor

Each year, an estimated 888,000 people in the U.S. experience a stroke, and this number is expected to rise. Anyone, including people you know—or even yourself—could have a stroke at some point.
It’s crucial to understand that the stroke survivor did not cause their stroke. Even if someone has engaged in unhealthy behaviors, a stroke can be triggered by numerous other factors. While there are steps like eating healthy, quitting smoking, and taking medication that can lower the risk of a stroke, they don’t guarantee prevention.
Blaming the survivor isn’t helpful. You might feel that they need to change their habits, but real, lasting change must come from within. When people make changes out of fear or pressure, those changes often don’t stick. Trying to force “healthy” choices could cause more harm than good.
Instead, support the survivor by focusing on their values. Rather than warning them they’ll have another stroke if they don’t change, ask what’s important to them. Focus on what they want to add to their life, not what needs to be taken away.

Allow them to be where they are.

Don’t expect stroke survivors to be constantly inspiring, brave, or happy. They’ve gone through a traumatic event and need time to grieve. Putting pressure on them to always be uplifting or positive can lead to feelings of inadequacy if they don’t meet those expectations. Stroke survivors don’t need pity, toxic positivity, or unsolicited advice. What they do need is empathy, respect, and dignity.

Even though you may not fully understand what a stroke survivor is going through, you can listen and show empathy. Stroke survivors don’t need to be “fixed”—they need to be heard.

Try to understand the emotional burden

The mental health impact of a stroke is significant. Depression, which is often chemical and biological, is a common consequence after a stroke, regardless of external factors. Many stroke survivors also struggle with anxiety and post-traumatic stress. Having faced a near-death experience, they often deal with unresolved emotions.

Family members and care partners may also experience stress, anxiety, and even depression as they navigate the changes in caring for a loved one with a disability. This can strain relationships. Stroke survivors and their care partners need understanding as they face these new challenges.

Remove barriers instead of ‘fixing’

After a stroke, both survivors and their families often focus on “getting back to where they were.” However, recovery is not about “fixing” the person—it’s about addressing the social and environmental barriers that limit their participation in society. Stroke survivors face challenges such as discrimination, physical barriers, and social isolation, which can cause frustration and feelings of helplessness.

Recovery is personal, and what matters most is quality of life and the ability to participate in activities. Focus on removing barriers that make social participation difficult for your loved one. Include them in decisions, and let them choose their level of involvement.

It can be challenging for survivors to access public spaces or transportation, and they may struggle to find employment. Feeling excluded from activities they previously enjoyed can be painful. Instead of organizing events that might be inaccessible, do what you can to remove barriers and support inclusion.

Respect their autonomy

It’s natural to want to help a stroke survivor in any way possible, but it’s important to respect their autonomy. Decisions should be made collaboratively, with the survivor’s preferences and goals in mind. While you can offer support and guidance, ultimately the decision should be theirs. Even if their decision-making process is slower than you’re used to, be patient and avoid frustration—this will help protect their sense of agency.

Recovery from a stroke isn’t linear, and survivors will have different needs at different stages. Flexibility and ongoing communication are key to providing the right kind of support. By respecting their autonomy, you help foster their sense of dignity and well-being.

In some cases, family therapy or other resources might be necessary to help rebuild relationships and address the emotional challenges that can arise. Stroke survivors face obstacles like mental health struggles, social isolation, and even hurtful actions from loved ones, which can delay recovery. They need to build a network of “safe people” who support their recovery without draining their energy.

How to be a safe person for a stroke survivor

Being a safe person for a stroke survivor means offering more than just medical support—it involves empathy, understanding, and respect. Here’s a guide to help you become a safe person for someone in stroke recovery:

Listen, don’t fix

Avoid trying to “fix” the stroke survivor. They don’t need solutions from you, as they have a team of professionals and advocacy support from Kandu to guide their recovery. What they need most is someone to listen to them.

Respond with confidence and calm

When asked for help, offer assurance. A calm presence provides them with a sense of stability.

Offer empathy over advice

Survivors need to feel heard and understood, not given unsolicited advice.

Be reliable

Stroke survivors need to trust that you’ll be there when you say you will.

Be mindful of your questions

Ask questions in a thoughtful and sensitive way, with genuine curiosity and kindness. Avoid questions just to satisfy your curiosity; only ask if it truly serves the survivor’s needs and experience. You are not entitled to someone’s story just because you’re curious.

Be clear about your support

It’s okay if you can’t do everything—everyone has their own responsibilities. Overextending yourself can lead to resentment. Be honest about your availability, and don’t overcommit.

Be flexible

Stroke survivors often experience post-stroke fatigue and may need to cancel at the last minute. Be understanding about their energy levels and respectful of their time, adjusting yours when possible.

Value them for who they are

Let the survivor know you value them as a person. During this time, they need to hear and feel that appreciation.

Understand they’ve had a unique experience

Recognize that their experience is different from anything you might fully understand. Instead of trying to relate, accept their experience with compassion and kindness.

Be patient and let them speak for themselves

Don’t speak for the survivor, rush them, guess their words, or fill in pauses. Give them the time they need to speak, and redirect conversations back to them if others talk to you instead of directly to the survivor.

Maintain genuine connections

Show up authentically in your interactions, and take breaks if you feel stressed or unsure. A safe person feels a genuine connection with the stroke survivor. If you feel frustrated, stressed, or overwhelmed, take time for yourself rather than exposing the survivor to those feelings.

Self-reflect

Regularly ask yourself, “Am I a safe person for the survivor?”

Not everyone will meet these guidelines perfectly, but striving to be a safe person can greatly support a stroke survivor’s recovery, helping them feel valued, understood, and supported.

Support for stroke survivors and their care partners

Kandu’s stroke recovery services offer comprehensive support for both stroke survivors and their care partners. Our experienced doctors, nurses, and navigators take the time to understand your individual needs, developing personalized recovery plans and providing essential resources to help make recovery a lot smoother.

Get more information and register for Kandu today

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Doctor explaining to a stroke survivor how different regions of the brain are affected by a stroke using a human brain model.

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How the Brain Heals after a Stroke

Education

How the Brain Heals after a Stroke

A stroke happens when blood fl ow to a specific area of the brain is disrupted, causing a shortage of oxygen for the brain cells in that region. These brain cells become damaged when deprived of oxygen, which can result in a loss of function in the body parts controlled by the affected area. However, the brain has a remarkable ability to recover over time through neuroplasticity, potentially recovering function in the days, weeks, and even years following a stroke.

What is neuroplasticity?

Neuroplasticity, or brain plasticity, is the brain’s ability to change and adapt.

The brain communicates through networks of neurons (brain cells) and synapses (neuron connectors). New neurons (neurogenesis) and neuron connections can be made and strengthened after a stroke.

Your brain can also be ‘rewired’ so undamaged parts can learn to take over the jobs of damaged parts (functional remodeling).

1

Signals go from one cell to another forming a connection to the brain.

2

When a stroke kills brain cells, it damages the connection.

3

Brain cells can sometimes form new connections, and start sending signals again.

While some neuroplasticity may automatically happen after your stroke, you can potentially heal faster and recover more by doing tasks and treatments that make neuroplasticity more likely to happen. Neuroplasticity peaks during the first few months after a stroke. If you exercise your brain, recovery is possible after this time, and progress may be slower or less noticeable.

Changes in the brain happen in response to experiences or engaging in activities. You can help your brain recover by repeating meaningful activities and choosing to do activities that are not too hard or easy but “just right” in terms of difficulty level.

For example, you might lift your affected leg only using your leg muscles when placing your leg in your pants. You may also brush your hair or reach for objects with your affected arm. It can be safer to avoid handling any hot or sharp objects while your affected arm is still relearning tasks.

Enriched environments can also help the brain heal after a stroke. These include music, sunlight, mindfulness, medication, social interactions, or other elements that help awaken the senses and activate the brain.

There are some evidence-based, innovative treatments to help your brain heal after a stroke.

Virtual Reality-based training can be a fun and engaging way to work on healing your brain using specific virtual reality environments as a tool for rehabilitation.
Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (CIMT) and Modified Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy. This treatment promotes using the side of the body affected by the stroke by restraining the other side. When the affected side is forced to try activities, it can improve faster. This is a potential option for people with some movement on the affected side.
In Mirror Therapy , the person watches the unaffected part of the body move in the mirror. The brain will think that the affected side of the body is moving and will activate that part of the brain that is associated with movement on the affected side. Mirror Therapy is usually done with other traditional rehabilitation.
Electrical Stimulation involves delivering small electrical pulses to the muscle through a small patch put directly on the muscle. This electrical pulse sends a signal and can help rebuild the connection between the muscle and brain.
Brain-machine interfaces have the person think of moving. Then, the machine uses that brain signal to move a device. This helps the brain practice sending a signal and getting feedback from the device moving at the same time, which helps strengthen the connection and communication between the brain and body.
Robot-assisted therapy uses a robot to help someone with movement through repetitive tasks to improve one’s ability to move on their own and be more independent.

Other rehabilitation techniques, medical treatments, and medicines continue to be researched to help the brain heal. If you are interested in these treatments, speak with your care team. Everyone is unique, and not all treatments are suitable for every person.

You may feel fatigued and need to rest during these activities and treatments. Sometimes, the recovery process can be frustrating when you can’t move or speak as you want to, so you might need to take a break or do an easier activity.

Each person’s recovery is unique. Some people may recover more, while others recover less. You can improve your chances of recovery by repetitively doing meaningful tasks and participating in rehabilitation. We encourage you to start rehabilitation early after your stroke to take advantage of neuroplasticity at its peak.

Learn how Kandu can support your stroke recovery today!

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Socializing after a stroke: Finding community post-stroke, navigating social obstacles after stroke, making friends after stroke. Continue Reading Connecting with your community

Regions of the Brain and What They Control

The effects of the stroke can depend on the severity, type, and location of the stroke. Continue Reading Regions of the Brain and What They Control

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Connecting with your community

Education

Connecting with your community

Socializing and finding community can significantly aid in your stroke recovery

Talking and being with your friends and family is an important aspect of stroke recovery that can help stroke survivors recover faster than those who are isolated. Talking with others can help you maintain a sense of emotional support and comfort, which can lessen your risk of depression¹. Studies have shown that socializing can improve functionality post stroke² and may lead to a quicker and more thorough recovery³.
Returning to social activities may feel intimidating or uncomfortable after a stroke and you might notice a shift in the types of interactions you feel comfortable with, but there are ways to ease back into your social life. For example, socializing does not need to include overwhelmingly large groups of people or crowded locations. Start with simple social interactions such as saying hello to your neighbor, walking your dog, or having friends over. Any kind of social interaction you are comfortable with can benefit your mental health and identity.

Maintaining Existing Relationships

You may be busy during your stroke recovery, making it difficult to nurture previous relationships with friends and family. It can also be challenging if your significant other has become your care partner if their new role begins to overshadow your previous relationship. It is important to spend quality time together, even with simple activities such as going out to eat, watching a movie, or spending time outdoors.
It is normal to want to stop seeing people after a stroke. Stroke survivors often tell us that they are embarrassed or don’t feel safe, but pulling away from people who care about you can make you feel more isolated and lead to depression. Depression can cause social withdrawal that may be dangerous to your health. Talking with your family and friends about how you are feeling and when you need help is important.
There is a possibility that you may lose some friendships after a stroke or some relationships may look different, which can lead to feelings of grief and loss. Working through these feelings may take time and patience, but know that you are not alone. Sharing these feelings with professionals or with close ones can help.

Managing Barriers to Socialization

If you are feeling overwhelmed by your recovery or social interactions, start by seeing a close friend or family member that makes you feel comfortable. Consider meeting your friend in a familiar and safe environment that is not overstimulating.
If you are not driving after your stroke, there may be free or discounted transportation options available that can help you go and see friends and family. Friends and family can also come to visit you at your home. Simply visiting, talking on a porch, or walking around your neighborhood are all ways in which you can socialize in your home.
Fatigue and other post-stroke changes may impact your comfort in socializing. Re-engaging in social activities can feel tiring; consider different strategies to maintain a balance between the costs and benefits of socializing. Remember that even if socializing feels different than before your stroke, your interactions with others can be very beneficial in your post-stroke recovery.

Finding New Community

Expanding your community to include new sources of support can also be helpful. Sharing your thoughts and feelings with other survivors in your community, who might share the challenges you are experiencing, can be comforting. Other stroke survivors may also be able to provide valuable advice about socializing after stroke or share their perspectives about the recovery journey in general. Virtual stroke survivor support groups, such as those offered through Kandu, can offer a safe space to socialize with people in the stroke community.
Kandu Connect Groups are facilitated by Kandu Ambassadors– stroke survivors and care partners with lived experience. The Kandu Connect Groups provide participants with a sense of community and belonging to support them on their recovery journey.

Interested in learning more about Kandu?

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Citations

Tsouna-Hadjis E., Vemmos K.N., Zakopoulos N. & Stamatelopoulos S., 2000, ‘First-stroke recovery process: The role of family social support,’ Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation 81(7), 881–887. 10.1053/apmr.2000.4435
Glass T.A. & Maddox G.L., 1992, ‘The quality and quantity of social support: Stroke recovery as psycho-social transition,’ Social Science & Medicine 34(2), 1249–1261. 10.1016/0277-9536(92)90317-J
Glass T.A., Matchar D.B., Belyea M. & Feussner J.R., 1993, ‘Impact of social support on outcome in first stroke,’ Stroke; a Journal of Cerebral Circulation 24(1), 64–70. 10.1161/01.STR.24.1.64\

Regions of the Brain and What They Control

The effects of the stroke can depend on the severity, type, and location of the stroke. Continue Reading Regions of the Brain and What They Control

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Regions of the Brain and What They Control

Education

Regions of the Brain and What They Control

The brain helps us understand the world around us and communicate with the rest of our body. It communicates through networks of neurons (brain cells). These communication channels and the ability to understand and use information from the body can be disrupted when someone has a stroke.

The brain is very complex, so how a stroke affects each person is different. The effects of the stroke can depend on the severity, type, and location of the stroke. You can understand what you might experience after a stroke by understanding what each brain region does.

The largest part of the brain is called the cerebrum, and each side is called a hemisphere.

Illustration of a brain highlighting the left hemisphere, showing text that says: Left Hemisphere—Language, affects right side of the body.

You might experience these effects if you have a stroke on the left side of your brain.

Difficulty or inability to move the right side of your body
Changes in how your body feels on the right side
Losing the ability to see things on the right side
Trouble speaking
Difficulty understanding what someone is saying
Challenges with reading and writing
Difficulty learning new things
Tendency to be overly cautious

Illustration of a brain highlighting the right hemisphere, showing text that says: Right Hemisphere—vision, understanding what you see, and affects left side of the body.

You might experience these effects if you have a stroke on the right side of your brain:

Difficulty or inability to move the left side of your body
Changes in how your body feels on the left side
Not being aware of the left side of the body
Losing the ability to see things on the left side
Trouble reading maps and navigating
Difficulty understanding how far or close objects are
Not being able to find everyday objects, like your clothes
Difficulty recognizing parts of your own body
Tendency to be more impulsive or inappropriate

The cerebrum has four main lobes or regions. The images below show the different actions each area controls.

Thinking, memory, behavior, and movement

Frontal Lobe

If you have a stroke in your frontal lobe, the large lobe in the front of your brain, you may have:

Difficulty thinking and making decisions
Trouble moving
Changes in personality and behavior

Language and touch

Parietal Lobe

If you have a stroke in your parietal lobe, you may have:

Changes in feeling touch and pain
Difficulty speaking and understanding speech
Trouble with movement and, knowing where your body is and determining the right versus left side of your body

Vision

Occipital Lobe

If you have a stroke in your occipital lobe or near the back of your brain, you may have:

Lost the ability to see anything on the right or left side with your eyes when you are not moving your head (Homonymous hemianopia)
Difficulty understanding what you are looking at (visual agnosia) or recognizing familiar faces (prosopagnosia)
Partial loss of vision or black spots
Difficulty reading
Complete blindness or the inability to see colors in rare instances

Hearing, learning, and feelings

Temporal Lobe

If you have a stroke in your temporal lobe or the area around your ears, you may have:

Memory difficulties
Trouble understanding and learning
Changes in how you feel (emotions)

Underneath the cerebrum are two more regions of the brain, the cerebellum and the brain stem.

Cerebellum

Balance and coordination

The cerebellum is important for movement because it gets signals from the spinal cord, which helps the body control movements. You might experience these effects if you have a stroke in your cerebellum:

Trouble with smooth and accurate movements (coordination)
Difficulty with balance and walking
Potential headaches, dizziness, and nausea

Illustration of a brain highlighting the brain btem

Brain Stem

Breathing, heart rate and temperature

Your brain stem regulates your breathing, heartbeat, body temperature, blood pressure, and more. The brain stem is associated with the necessary functions for life. You might experience these effects if you have a stroke in your brain stem:

Trouble with smooth and accurate movements (coordination)
Difficulty with balance and walking
Potential headaches, dizziness, and nausea

Strokes in any brain region can affect thinking, memory, mood, and movements. Seizures and epilepsy may also occur after certain types of strokes and are more likely to occur if you have a stroke in the outer layer of the brain (cerebral cortex) or if you had bleeding in your brain (hemorrhagic stroke).

While the general stroke effects associated with each brain region are listed above, each person may have different experiences or effects not listed above.

We encourage you to share any symptoms you are experiencing with your Kandu Navigator so they can help you address them. Your navigator will help you understand what type of stroke you had and how it may be impacting your brain. They will provide you with strategies on how to manage your stroke impairments and connect you to rehabilitation resources specific to your health.

Interested in learning more about the Kandu Program?

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Kandu Participants rate our virtual connect groups as one of the most valuable aspects of the Kandu Program. Continue Reading Peer-Support for Stroke Recovery

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Peer-Support for Stroke Recovery

Education

Peer-Support for Stroke Recovery

Stroke Recovery Support from People Who Understand

Kandu Participants rate our virtual connect groups as one of the most valuable aspects of the Kandu Program. They cite the opportunity to connect with other stroke survivors who are at a similar point in their own recovery journey as “feeling as though they were less alone” and as a sense of “community and belonging”. Connect groups are led by Kandu Ambassadors who understand the physical and emotional challenges of stroke recovery. Connect groups meet weekly via web conferences. Between meetings, participants can communicate with their connect groups through asynchronous messaging on the Kandu App.

In this webcast led by Alana, a Kandu Navigator, Kandu Ambassadors Toni and Dave discuss their commitment to helping participants get the most out of Kandu Connect Groups and the significance of peer-support after stroke.

Kandu Ambassadors are fellow stroke survivors and care partners who have a deep understanding of the effects of stroke. They share their own lived experience and provide guidance to help participants understand the challenges they face. Kandu Ambassadors support participants through their stroke recovery by sharing information and tips for managing life after stroke. The connect groups are an important and popular part of the Kandu Program. Over 83% of Kandu Graduates said that they found value in interacting with the virtual Kandu Connect Groups¹.

Alana Abel, OTD, OTR/L

Alana is a Senior Navigator at Kandu Health. As a clinical navigator, she enjoys connecting with survivors and care partners with a heart-first approach to foster empowerment and tackle challenges to recovery. Alana cherishes each small win with survivors and care partners, whether it is connecting them with a resource or just being the person that has the time to listen.

Toni Hickman

Toni, a music artist and a stroke survivor, is a Kandu Ambassador for stroke survivors in the Kandu Program. Having lived through her own recovery journey and being a care partner for her mother, Toni offers support and inspiration to others facing similar challenges to live their best possible lives after stroke.

Dave Brinkman

Dave is a Kandu Ambassador for care partners, brings experience from supporting his father after a stroke. He is also an occupational therapist who works with stroke survivors and is dedicated to supporting people affected by stroke to adjust to their new normal.

Kandu Health offers remote clinical support through our app, stroke survivor community and team of Kandu Navigators. We provide information, resources, and guidance for stroke survivors and their care partners.

Interested in the Kandu stroke recovery program? Click below to learn more.

More Information

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Is What I am Experiencing After My Stroke Normal?

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The Link Between Hypertension and Stroke

Education

The Link Between Hypertension and Stroke

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What is Blood Pressure?

Blood pressure is a measurement of the pressure of your blood in your arteries as it is pumped around your body by your heart. The upper or first number (systolic blood pressure) is the pressure created when the heart beats, pushing blood out into the body. The bottom or second number (diastolic blood pressure) is the pressure in your arteries when your heart is resting in between beats.

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What is Hypertension?

Hypertension is when the pressure in your blood vessels is higher than normal. It is often referred to as the “silent killer” because it usually presents no symptoms, yet it can lead to severe health complications if left untreated.

Normal versus High Blood Pressure

Sytolic mm Hg (Upper Number)

Blood Pressure Range Chart

Diastolic mm Hg (Lower Number)

According to the American Heart Association, blood pressure over 120/80 is considered high. If your blood pressure is high, your healthcare team may recommend a different diet, exercise, or medication based on how high it is, and any other health issues you have.

High blood pressure means that your heart has to work harder than normal to pump blood around your body. High blood pressure can cause damage to the walls of blood vessels, which increases the chance of narrowing, rupturing, or forming blood clots. This can lead to blockage in the blood vessels that supply the brain, resulting in a stroke.

High blood pressure is the biggest risk factor for having a stroke. It affects other parts of the body as well and can lead to loss of vision, heart failure, heart attacks, dementia, and kidney failure.

Hypertension is the #1 risk factor for stroke.
It contributes to around 50% of all strokes.

Recognizing Signs and Symptoms of Stroke

As hypertension often doesn’t have noticeable symptoms, it can be challenging to manage. It can go unnoticed until it causes a severe health problem like a stroke. Strokes can also happen suddenly and without warning. Therefore, it’s crucial to recognize the signs and seek medical attention immediately for better outcomes. Some common signs of a stroke include sudden numbness or weakness, confusion, difficulty speaking or understanding speech, vision problems, severe headache, loss of balance, and dizziness. Stroke symptoms can be remembered by using the phrase BE FAST.

BEFAST

Recognize the signs of a stroke

Balance

Sudden loss of balance

Eyes

Sudden change in vision in one or both eyes

Illustration of a stroke survivor experiencing lung infections and difficulty breathing.

Face

The face droops on one side

Illustration of a stroke survivor in a wheelchair experiencing discomfort in his arm.

Arm

New arm weakness or numbness on one side

Illustration of a stroke survivor with an arm brace talking

Speech

New slurred or confused speech

Illustration of a woman with a pride flag pin on her top looking at her phone

Time

It’s TIME to call 9-1-1

Only a health professional can determine if you are having another stroke. If you are having a new stroke, every second matters. Call 9-1-1 and seek emergency care for a possible stroke if you experience the following symptoms:

Hypertension Prevention and Management

It’s essential to understand hypertension in order to prevent strokes. By being aware of the signs and symptoms, adopting healthy lifestyle habits, and seeking support from healthcare professionals and community resources, individuals can take proactive steps to manage their blood pressure and reduce their risk of stroke.

Together, we can make a positive impact and help prevent strokes in our communities.

Kandu Health offers remote clinical support through our app, stroke survivor community and team of Kandu Navigators. We provide information, resources, and guidance for stroke survivors and their care partners.

Interested in the Kandu stroke recovery program? Click below to learn more.

More Information

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Is What I am Experiencing After My Stroke Normal?

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Is What I am Experiencing After My Stroke Normal?

Although there are some common side effects and impairments after having a stroke it is important to recognize everyone’s experience is unique. You may have symptoms and impairments that other survivors do not have.

There are three major areas that stroke impacts:

Illustration of a stroke survivor with a cane and a hand brace walking

Physical Changes

Illustration of a woman sitting on a chair with colorful thought bubbles over her head

Cognitive Changes

Illustration of a stroke survivor sitting on a bench and caregiver

Emotional Changes

Physical Changes

Typically, physical changes can be traced to the location in your brain that was most impacted by your stroke. Depending on where the blood supply was affected in your brain you may experience some of the following physical changes:

Fatigue
Vision changes
Challenges moving around due to changes in balance and coordination

Weakness on one side of the body
Difficulty swallowing
Too much muscle tone (spasticity) or too little muscle tone (flaccidity), making them hard to move

Early rehabilitation can help you overcome some of your physical impairments. You can read more about what to expect related to recovery and rehabilitation here.

Cognitive Changes

You may also have changes in how you think and process information. These changes may be referred to as cognitive changes and can include the following:

Difficulty paying attention or concentrating
Trouble problem-solving
Difficulty remembering things

Difficulty recognizing things
Trouble understanding what someone said
Challenges saying what you are thinking

Cognitive changes can be some of the most frustrating impairments after a stroke. It is important to recognize it is normal to be frustrated when you first discover you may be experiencing these challenges.

Emotional Changes

Because stroke affects your brain, it can also affect how you experience emotions. Many survivors experience a range of feelings or emotions after a stroke. It is estimated that 60% of stroke survivors experience depression and 67% experience anxiety. Some feelings you may experience include:

Stress
Sadness or disappointment
Frustration
Irritability
Carelessness

Confusion
Anger
Depression
Anxiety
Grief

At Kandu, we understand the overwhelming nature of stroke and are experienced in supporting stroke survivors as they begin their recovery journey. Your Kandu Navigator can help you identify the symptoms you are experiencing, how to address them and assist you in determining next steps to support your recovery.

Kandu Health offers remote clinical support through our app, stroke survivor community and team of Kandu Navigators. We provide information, resources, and guidance for stroke survivors and their care partners.

Interested in the Kandu stroke recovery program? Click below to learn more.

More Information

How Do I Reduce My Risk of a Second Stroke?

Signs of Stroke Related Infections

Infection is common after a stroke and can lead to worse outcomes for the stroke survivor including sepsis and even death. Continue Reading Signs of Stroke Related Infections

Pensive man itting in a clinic, looking worried and clasping his hands, symbolizing anxiety and uncertainty about stroke symptoms.

How Do I know if I am Having a Second Stroke?

About 1 in 4 people, 25% who have had a stroke will have another stroke. It’s important to be able to identify the warning signs. Continue Reading How Do I know if I am Having a Second Stroke?

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How Do I Reduce My Risk of a Second Stroke?

Education

How Do I Reduce My Risk of a Second Stroke?

Having a stroke can be overwhelming. During your time in the hospital, you may be given a lot of information about reducing your risk of having another stroke.

So, how do you reduce your risk?

The best place to start is with recommendations from your healthcare team. If you are working with a Kandu Navigator they will assist you in creating a personal recovery plan and identifying resources and support to aid you in your recovery.

Your healthcare team may ask you to make changes to your lifestyle and your daily routine after your stroke. These changes can help keep your brain and body healthy. These changes might include:

Blood Pressure

Checking your blood pressure daily. At home blood pressure monitors are readily available.

Icon of a person walking with a cane, symbolizing the role of regular physical activity in reducing stroke risk.

Exercise

Exercising regularly. Walking three hours a week can lower your chances of a second stroke by up to 43% a recent Harvard Study.

Icon of fruit, indicating a healthy diet as part of stroke prevention.

Healthy Eating

Adding nutrient-dense foods, such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats to your diet. Consider replacing partially hydrogenated cooking oils with avocado or olive oils, and reducing foods with added sugars.

Icon with a crossed-out cigarette, promoting quitting smoking for stroke prevention.

“No” to Smoking

Saying “no” to smoking. Quitting smoking is tough. There are free programs that can help you. Freedom From Smoking® has helped hundreds of thousands of people quit for good and is now available in a variety of formats.

Icon with a crossed-out wine glass, advising limiting alcohol intake to lower stroke risk.

Limit Alcohol

Limiting how much alcohol you drink. Drinking alcohol disrupts your sleep and good sleep. It is essential, it is when your body rests and repairs itself. Try limiting your alcohol late in the evening to start.

Icon of a person in a relaxed posture, highlighting stress management as a key factor in reducing stroke risk.

Manage Stress

Managing stress through a strong support system, community, and connections. Consider relaxation activities such as mindfulness, breathing exercises, yoga, or tai chi.

Kandu Health offers remote clinical support through our app, stroke survivor community and team of Kandu Navigators. We provide information, resources, and guidance for stroke survivors and their care partners.

Interested in the Kandu stroke recovery program? Click below to learn more.

More Information

Signs of Stroke Related Infections

Infection is common after a stroke and can lead to worse outcomes for the stroke survivor including sepsis and even death. Continue Reading Signs of Stroke Related Infections

How Do I know if I am Having a Second Stroke?

About 1 in 4 people, 25% who have had a stroke will have another stroke. It’s important to be able to identify the warning signs. Continue Reading How Do I know if I am Having a Second Stroke?

Elderly man sitting indoors, looking out the window with a thoughtful expression, symbolizing concern or reflection.

How the Brain is Affected by Stroke

During a stroke, disruption of the blood flow to the brain causes cell damage and death where the stroke occurred. to the brain causes cell damage and death where the stroke occurred. Continue Reading How the Brain is Affected by Stroke

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Signs of Stroke Related Infections

Education

Signs of Stroke Related Infections

Infection is common after a stroke and can lead to worse outcomes for the stroke survivor including sepsis and even death. Infections can occur as a result of stroke complications such as bladder control issues or swallowing issues or difficulty swallowing. They can also occur due to changes to the immune system after a stroke, making the body more susceptible to infections.

The three most common infections in the first few days and weeks after a stroke are:

Illustration of a stroke survivor in a wheelchair, experiencing discomfort from urinary tract and kidney infections.

If you are experiencing signs of infection, please contact your primary care physician immediately. If you are a participant in the Kandu Stroke Recovery Program, your navigator will assist you with an emergency plan to get the help you need.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) and Kidney Infections

Germs can build up in the bladder if urine (pee) is not being passed as frequently as necessary. Survivors with urinary retention, difficulty emptying their bladder, or limited mobility may have an increased risk of UTIs may have an increased risk of UTIs and kidney infections. Incontinence, or soiling oneself, is also very common after a stroke. Sitting in wet or soiled clothes for too long can allow germs to move up the urinary tract. This can also increase the risk of skin breakdown and infections.

Symptoms of UTIs and Kidney Infections include:

Fever
Pain in the abdomen or back
Pain or burning with urination (peeing)
Cloudy or smelly urine

Needing to use the bathroom more frequently and urgently
Unexplained delirium, confusion, or agitation

Some tips for preventing a UTI include:

staying hydrated
wiping front to back after going to the bathroom
urinating after sex
using clean techniques to change catheters
avoiding the use of perfumed soap or other products on the genitals
checking the expiration dates of contraception and intravaginal devices
talking to the healthcare team about concerns related to your period or menopause

Lung infections or pneumonia

Swallowing difficulties, like dysphagia, can cause fluid, foods, and your own saliva to go down the wrong way into the lungs instead of the stomach. This can lead to lung infections, such as pneumonia.

Pneumonia can cause many symptoms, including:

Fever
Chills
Cough, often with phlegm
Gurgling speech and/or frequent throat clearing

Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Fatigue
Muscle aches or pains

If you have pneumonia, you may require additional treatments. Talk to your healthcare team if you are experiencing any of these concerns.

It is important to follow any recommendations from the speech or occupational therapist around thickening liquids or mealtime strategies to reduce your risk of choking or lung infections. If you have concerns about swallowing and are not seen by a therapist, talk to your medical team about a swallowing evaluation.

Make sure that you closely monitor how well you are able to chew and swallow different foods. This can help reduce your risk of choking and infection.

Skin infections or pressure sores

Too much force on delicate areas of the skin can cause pressure sores or infections. Pressure sores are especially common on bony areas of the body. You can inspect your skin for signs of infection from head to toe including:

Back of the head
Shoulder blades
Elbows

Buttocks/lower back
Bottom/”sits bones”

Ankle bones (sides) and
Heels

If your skin is broken, you may require additional care or treatments. Check your skin regularly and report any concerns to your healthcare team.

To reduce your risk of skin infections, consider:

trying to slightly change your position at least every 2 hours
changing out of wet clothes as soon as possible
using pressure-relieving products on the affected area, and
checking your skin daily for signs of redness, heat, and swelling.

Kandu Health offers remote clinical support through our app, stroke survivor community and team of Kandu Navigators. We provide information, resources, and guidance for stroke survivors and their care partners.

Interested in the Kandu stroke recovery program? Click below to learn more.

More Information

How Do I know if I am Having a Second Stroke?

About 1 in 4 people, 25% who have had a stroke will have another stroke. It’s important to be able to identify the warning signs. Continue Reading How Do I know if I am Having a Second Stroke?

How the Brain is Affected by Stroke

Women in activewear jogging along a waterfront, symbolizing staying active as a part of stroke recovery.

Three Things You Can Do to Support Your Stroke Recovery

An important part of stroke recovery is connecting with people who can support you during this process. This may include friends, family, neighbors, and other stroke survivors. Continue Reading Three Things You Can Do to Support Your Stroke Recovery

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How Do I know if I am Having a Second Stroke?

Education

How Do I know if I am Having a Second Stroke?

About 1 in 4 people, 25% who have had a stroke will have another stroke*.
It’s important to be able to identify the warning signs.

Citation

Sudha Seshadri, Alexa Beiser, Margaret Kelly-Hayes, Carlos S. Kase, Rhoda Au, William B. Kannel and Philip A. Wolf. Originally published 5 Jan 2006 https://doi.org/10.1161/01.STR.0000199613.38911.b2Stroke. 2006;37:345–350

BEFAST

Recognize the signs of a stroke

Balance

Sudden loss of balance

Is it suddenly hard to stand up and walk in a straight line without feeling like you might fall? Do you suddenly feel very dizzy?

Eyes

Sudden change in vision in one or both eyes

Is it suddenly very hard to see out of one eye? Do you have new double vision?

Face

New arm weakness or numbness on one side

Do you have a new weakness in your arm?

Arm

New arm weakness or numbness on one side

Do you have a new weakness in your arm?

Speech

New slurred or confused speech

Is your speech slurred or are you not making sense when you try to talk?

Time

It’s TIME to call 9-1-1

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms immediately call 911. Do not drive yourself or have someone drive you to the hospital. Time is important. An EMT can get you life-saving treatment the fastest.

Kandu Health offers remote clinical support through our app, stroke survivor community and team of Kandu Navigators. We provide information, resources, and guidance for stroke survivors and their care partners.

Interested in the Kandu stroke recovery program? Click below to learn more.

More Information

How the Brain is Affected by Stroke

Three Things You Can Do to Support Your Stroke Recovery

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Education

Caring for a stroke survivor

Supporting your loved one after stroke

What is a care partner?

Don’t blame the stroke survivor

Allow them to be where they are.

Try to understand the emotional burden

Remove barriers instead of ‘fixing’

Respect their autonomy

How to be a safe person for a stroke survivor

Listen, don’t fix

Respond with confidence and calm

Offer empathy over advice

Be reliable

Be mindful of your questions

Be clear about your support

Be flexible

Value them for who they are

Understand they’ve had a unique experience

Be patient and let them speak for themselves

Maintain genuine connections

Self-reflect

Not everyone will meet these guidelines perfectly, but striving to be a safe person can greatly support a stroke survivor’s recovery, helping them feel valued, understood, and supported.

Support for stroke survivors and their care partners

Get more information and register for Kandu today

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2

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Connecting with your community

Socializing and finding community can significantly aid in your stroke recovery

Maintaining Existing Relationships

Managing Barriers to Socialization

Finding New Community

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Regions of the Brain and What They Control

The largest part of the brain is called the cerebrum, and each side is called a hemisphere.

You might experience these effects if you have a stroke on the left side of your brain.

You might experience these effects if you have a stroke on the right side of your brain:

The cerebrum has four main lobes or regions. The images below show the different actions each area controls.

Frontal Lobe

If you have a stroke in your frontal lobe, the large lobe in the front of your brain, you may have:

Parietal Lobe

If you have a stroke in your parietal lobe, you may have:

Occipital Lobe

If you have a stroke in your occipital lobe or near the back of your brain, you may have:

Temporal Lobe

If you have a stroke in your temporal lobe or the area around your ears, you may have:

Underneath the cerebrum are two more regions of the brain, the cerebellum and the brain stem.

Cerebellum

The cerebellum is important for movement because it gets signals from the spinal cord, which helps the body control movements. You might experience these effects if you have a stroke in your cerebellum:

Brain Stem

Your brain stem regulates your breathing, heartbeat, body temperature, blood pressure, and more. The brain stem is associated with the necessary functions for life. You might experience these effects if you have a stroke in your brain stem:

Interested in learning more about the Kandu Program?

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Peer-Support for Stroke Recovery

Stroke Recovery Support from People Who Understand

Alana Abel, OTD, OTR/L

Hypertension is the #1 risk factor for stroke.
It contributes to around 50% of all strokes.