Regaining mobility after a stroke.
Life after a stroke comes with challenges - but also opportunities for recovery. Learn how stroke affects mobility, what you can do to support rehabilitation, and how Ottobock products can help restore confidence and independence.
Life after a stroke comes with challenges - but also opportunities for recovery. Learn how stroke affects mobility, what you can do to support rehabilitation, and how Ottobock products can help restore confidence and independence.
Summary.
A stroke is a sudden event that creates countless questions. If you or a loved one are facing this challenge, know that you're not alone. This page is built to shine a light on the journey: from understanding the types of stroke to recognizing the urgent F.A.S.T. warning signs. More importantly, we focus on hope and recovery. Explore how timely help, dedicated rehabilitation, and new mobility aids make a real difference, helping survivors move past the immediate crisis and toward regaining their independence and a better life. The path to recovery starts with knowledge.
What is a stroke?
A stroke is a sudden and serious event that affects the brain. It happens when blood flow to part of the brain is blocked, or when a blood vessel bursts. Without oxygen and nutrients, brain cells begin to die within minutes. This is why stroke is always a medical emergency.
Stroke is one of the world’s biggest health challenges. Every year, around 12.2 million people worldwide experience a stroke (WHO, 2023). It is the second leading cause of death and one of the main reasons for long-term disability. In fact, 1 in 4 adults over the age of 25 will have a stroke at some point in their life (World Stroke Organization).
Although stroke is more common in older adults, it can affect people at any age. About 1 in 7 strokes happens in younger adults between 15 and 49, and cases are increasing - even in children and adolescents. In rare cases, strokes can even occur before birth and cause lifelong challenges.
But there is also good news: with the right treatment, rehabilitation, and support, recovery and progress are possible. Many people regain abilities, rebuild independence, and continue to live fulfilling lives. Knowing the facts is the first step toward recognizing stroke early and taking action that makes recovery more successful.
12.2 million
People experience a stroke every year worldwide.
1 in 4 adults
over the age of 25 will experience a stroke in their lifetime.
15%
of all strokes occur in people aged 15-49, The number of your adult stroke victims increased 36% from 1990 to 2021.
Risk factors for strokes.
Top risk factors you can control:
High Blood Pressure: This is a popular risk factor for stroke. High pressure damages your arteries, making them weak or easily clogged. You must keep it controlled with diet and medication.
Smoking: Smoking (including vaping) severely harms your blood vessels, thickens your blood, and makes clots much more likely. Quitting is one of the most powerful steps you can take.
Heart Problems (especially Afib): Conditions like an irregular heartbeat (Atrial Fibrillation or Afib) can cause blood to pool in the heart, forming clots that can travel straight to the brain.
Diabetes and High Cholesterol: High sugar and high cholesterol damage arteries over time, leading to the fatty build-up (plaque) that can cause a clot.
Unhealthy Lifestyle: Not exercising, being overweight, and eating too much salt and saturated fat all contribute to the other major risk factors listed above.
Risk Factors You Can’t Control:
Your risk is naturally higher if you are over the age of 55, have a family history of stroke, or have already had a TIA (mini-stroke).
Your action plan is clear: Work with your doctor to manage your blood pressure and heart health, and focus on a healthy lifestyle. This is your best defense against stroke.
What happens in the brain during a stroke?
The brain is like the body’s control center. Even though it’s small, it needs a lot of energy, about 20% of all the oxygen in the body. Think of it like a car: it can’t run without fuel.
During a stroke, blood flow is cut off because a vessel is blocked or bursts. Without that supply, brain cells lose their “fuel” and begin to shut down within minutes.
A stroke is sometimes compared to a heart attack. Both involve blood vessels, but while a heart attack affects the heart, a stroke affects the brain - the part that controls movement, speech, memory, and emotions.
The effects depend on where in the brain the damage happens. If the area for movement is hit, walking or using an arm can become difficult. If the speech area is involved, finding words may suddenly be hard.
That’s why recognizing the signs and getting treatment quickly is so important - every minute counts, and fast action can save abilities and speed up recovery.
What are the 5 warning signs of a stroke?
The most effective way to remember the common and critical warning signs of a stroke is the acronym F.A.S.T.. Recognizing these symptoms is crucial, as immediate action saves lives and brain function.
(F) Face droping: Is one side of the face numb or drooping? Ask the person to smile to check for unevenness.
(A) Arm weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms; does one arm drift downward?
(S) Speech difficulty: Is their speech slurred, difficult to understand, or are they confused?
(T) Time – Act now: If any of these signs appear, call for emergency medical help immediately. Note the time the symptoms first appeared. Don't hesitate or feel embarrassed. If you suspect a stroke, call for help.
What are the different types of stroke?
Ischemic Stroke (≈85% of cases globally)
The most common type of stroke. It happens when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain, stopping oxygen from reaching brain cells.
The most common type of stroke. It happens when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain, stopping oxygen from reaching brain cells.
Hemorrhagic Stroke (≈15% globally)
This type occurs when a blood vessel in or around the brain bursts and causes bleeding. The bleeding damages brain tissue and increases pressure inside the skull.
This type occurs when a blood vessel in or around the brain bursts and causes bleeding. The bleeding damages brain tissue and increases pressure inside the skull.
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
Often called a “mini-stroke.” It happens when blood flow to the brain is briefly blocked. Symptoms go away within minutes or hours, but it is an important warning sign of a possible future stroke.
Often called a “mini-stroke.” It happens when blood flow to the brain is briefly blocked. Symptoms go away within minutes or hours, but it is an important warning sign of a possible future stroke.
What are the typical effects of a stroke?
A stroke can affect many parts of life, depending on its severity and location in the brain. Common effects include:
Speech: Trouble speaking clearly or finding words.
Swallowing & eating: Difficulty eating or drinking safely.
Memory & thinking: Forgetfulness, confusion, or trouble concentrating.
Emotions: Anxiety, depression, mood swings, or sudden emotional changes.
Mobility: Weakness, balance issues, or difficulty moving arms or legs.
The positive note: With the right care, time, and supportive tools, most stroke survivors can regain abilities, especially in mobility.
How can a stroke affect mobility?
A stroke can affect the brain’s control of movement. Common challenges include:
Paresis: Muscle weakness in arms, legs, or trunk.
Hemiplegia: Loss of movement on one side of the body.
Spasticity: Stiff or tight muscles.
Foot drop: Trouble lifting the front of the foot.
Balance & coordination problems: Higher risk of falls.
Contractures: Shortened muscles or joints if untreated.
Gait changes: Dragging a foot or uneven steps.
Regaining mobility is a key part of recovery, with therapy, tools, and professional support helping improve independence.
Three key phases in regaining mobility.
Stroke recovery is a gradual, personal journey, and progress can take time. It often involves a team of specialists: physiotherapists for walking and balance, occupational therapists for daily tasks, orthotists for supportive devices, speech therapists for communication, and psychologists for emotional support. Together, they help patients regain independence and rebuild confidence.
Phase 1: Emergency care and stabilization.
Acute stroke treatment is provided in a hospital and focuses on rapid, life-saving care to reduce long-term effects. It may include Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) or Computed Tomography (CT) scans and interventions to treat blocked or burst blood vessels. Once stabilized, patients may start gentle early movement to protect mobility and support recovery.
What is immediate treatment for stroke?
Ischemic stroke (Clot-Related)
The goal of treating an ischemic stroke is to quickly dissolve or physically remove the clot to restore blood flow to the brain.
The goal of treating an ischemic stroke is to quickly dissolve or physically remove the clot to restore blood flow to the brain.
The most common initial treatment is Clot-Busting Medication (Thrombolysis). This involves an intravenous (IV) injection of a drug, such as tPA (tissue plasminogen activator), also known as alteplase or tenecteplase. This medication is highly effective at dissolving the clot, but it is critically time-sensitive and must be given within 3 to 4.5 hours of the onset of symptoms for eligible patients. The sooner it is administered, the better the outcome.For patients with a large blockage, a neurosurgeon may perform Clot Removal Surgery (Mechanical Thrombectomy). This procedure involves threading a specialized catheter through an artery (typically in the groin) up to the blocked vessel in the brain and using a device (like a stent retriever) to physically pull the clot out. This surgical procedure offers a longer treatment window up to 6 hours for many patients, and sometimes longer in select cases and can dramatically reduce long-term disability.
Hemorrhagic stroke (Caused by Bleeding)
A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel ruptures in the brain. The immediate focus of treatment is to control the bleeding and reduce pressure on the surrounding brain tissue. The first step is Blood Pressure Control: immediate medication is administered to lower and control blood pressure, which is critical for reducing the strain on the damaged blood vessels and preventing further bleeding. If the patient was taking blood thinners, doctors will work to reverse those effects immediately. Depending on the severity and location of the bleed, Surgical Intervention may be necessary. Procedures can include Clipping or Coiling to repair an aneurysm (a balloon-like bulge) that has either ruptured or is at high risk of rupture, or Hematoma Evacuation to surgically remove the accumulated blood (known as a hematoma) to relieve dangerous pressure on the brain tissue.
A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel ruptures in the brain. The immediate focus of treatment is to control the bleeding and reduce pressure on the surrounding brain tissue. The first step is Blood Pressure Control: immediate medication is administered to lower and control blood pressure, which is critical for reducing the strain on the damaged blood vessels and preventing further bleeding. If the patient was taking blood thinners, doctors will work to reverse those effects immediately. Depending on the severity and location of the bleed, Surgical Intervention may be necessary. Procedures can include Clipping or Coiling to repair an aneurysm (a balloon-like bulge) that has either ruptured or is at high risk of rupture, or Hematoma Evacuation to surgically remove the accumulated blood (known as a hematoma) to relieve dangerous pressure on the brain tissue.
Phase 2: Rehabilitation.
After leaving the hospital, recovery continues with rehabilitation - an important step to help you regain strength, movement, and confidence in daily life. Depending on your needs, rehab can happen in two ways. Inpatient rehabilitation takes place in a specialized center for those who need more intensive care and support. Outpatient rehabilitation is for people with milder symptoms who live at home and visit a rehab center for regular therapy sessions.
Your recovery plan may include physiotherapy to improve strength, balance, and walking; occupational therapy to make everyday tasks like bathing, dressing, and cooking easier; and neuroplasticity exercises, which use guided, repetitive movements to help your brain rebuild lost connections. You may also practice assistive training with tools like bars, harnesses, or other devices that make movement safer and more comfortable.
The goal of rehabilitation is to help your body relearn what it needs to do, restore balance and strength, and support you in getting back to the activities you enjoy - step by step, at your own pace.
Phase 3: Long-term, at-home care.
Recovery continues at home, where daily habits are crucial. This phase focuses on:
Ongoing exercises and safe movement.
Adapting the home for independence.
Regular check-ins with rehab providers.
Mobility goals: Maintain rehab gains while improving strength, balance, and daily function. Common activities include stretching, walking practice with aids, repetitive motion exercises, and guided adaptive movements to rebuild muscle memory and confidence.
Mobility supporting products & resources.
Many stroke survivors benefit from mobility aids and technologies that support movement, independence, and recovery - from basic tools to advanced neurotechnology.
Neuromodulation
Neuromodulation technologies help manage muscle tone and improve movement control after a stroke. By targeting the nerves and muscles, these tools can reduce spasticity, increase range of motion, and make daily activities more comfortable. Devices such as the exopulse suit use gentle electrical stimulation to support natural movement and encourage muscle relaxation. Incorporating neuromodulation into rehabilitation can enhance therapy outcomes and promote smoother, more confident mobility.
Recovery after stroke: Real success stories.
Recovery doesn’t end when rehab stops. Many people regain strength, confidence, and independence over time by staying hopeful, setting goals, and leaning on support from their community.
Sabine
Meet Sabine, a Strong woman and devoted mother who survived a stroke.
Get help and connect with stroke communities.
Você não precisa enfrentar a recuperação de um AVC sozinho. Há apoio disponível, e se conectar com outras pessoas pode fazer uma enorme diferença na reconquista da confiança, da independência e da esperança.
Stroke Alliance for Europe (SAFE) – Encontre orientações e conecte-se com outros sobreviventes.
World Stroke Organization – Recursos globais e dicas para o processo de recuperação.
NHS Stroke Support Resources – Ajuda prática e contatos locais (Reino Unido).
Grupos locais de apoio a AVC – Conheça outras pessoas, compartilhe experiências e amplie sua rede de apoio.
Nós, da Ottobock, estamos sempre disponíveis para responder perguntas, oferecer orientação sobre dispositivos de mobilidade e ajudar a tornar a recuperação em casa mais segura e eficaz.
Dê o primeiro passo hoje: entre em contato, tire suas dúvidas e encontre uma comunidade perto de você. A recuperação é mais fácil quando você não está sozinho.