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 can happen suddenly and often leaves you with countless questions. If you or someone you care about is facing this challenge, you’re not alone. This page aims to shed light on the journey: from understanding the different types of stroke to recognising the urgent F.A.S.T. warning signs. Most importantly, it’s about hope and recovery. Discover how timely treatment, dedicated rehabilitation, and modern mobility aids can make a real difference, helping survivors move beyond the immediate uncertainty towards independence and a better quality of life.
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 Organisation).
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 recognising 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 one of the most common causes of stroke. High blood pressure weakens and damages your arteries, making them more prone to blockages. You can keep it under control with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and medication if prescribed.
Smoking: Smoking (including vaping) seriously harms your blood vessels, thickens your blood, and greatly increases the risk of clots. Quitting is one of the most powerful steps you can take to protect your health.
Heart Problems (especially Afib): Conditions such as an irregular heartbeat (Atrial Fibrillation or AFib) can cause blood to pool in the heart, leading to clots that may travel to the brain.
Diabetes and High Cholesterol: Raised blood sugar and cholesterol levels can damage arteries over time, causing fatty deposits (plaque) that restrict blood flow or form clots.
Unhealthy Lifestyle: Lack of exercise, being overweight, and eating too much salt or saturated fat all contribute to the major risk factors above. Small, consistent lifestyle changes can make a big difference.
Risk Factors You Can’t Control:
Your risk naturally increases if you’re over 55, have a family history of stroke, or have previously experienced a TIA (mini-stroke).
The best way to lower your risk of stroke is to work with your doctor to keep your blood pressure and heart health under control, while maintaining a balanced, active lifestyle.
What happens in the brain during a stroke?
The brain is the body’s control centre. Despite its small size, it uses a lot of energy, around 20% of the body’s oxygen. Think of it like a car: it simply can’t run without fuel.
During a stroke, blood flow to the brain is blocked or a vessel bursts. Without this supply, brain cells quickly start to lose their “fuel” and begin to shut down within minutes.
A stroke is often compared to a heart attack. Both involve blood vessels, but while a heart attack affects the heart, a stroke affects the brain, the part of the body that controls movement, speech, memory, and emotions.
The effects of a stroke depend on which part of the brain is affected. If the area that controls movement is damaged, walking or using an arm may become difficult. If the speech area is affected, finding the right words can suddenly become a challenge.
That’s why recognising the signs and getting treatment quickly is so important. Every minute counts, and fast action can help preserve abilities and speed up recovery.
What are the 5 warning signs of a stroke?
The easiest way to remember the common and critical warning signs of a stroke is the acronym F.A.S.T. Recognising these symptoms quickly is vital, as acting immediately can save lives and protect brain function.
(F) Face drooping: Is one side of the face numb or drooping? Ask the person to smile, does one side appear uneven?
(A) Arm weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms, does one drift downward?
(S) Speech difficulty: Is their speech slurred, hard to understand, or confused?
(T) Time – act fast: If any of these signs appear, call for emergency medical help immediately. Note the time the symptoms started. Don’t hesitate or worry about feeling embarrassed, if you suspect a stroke, always call for help straight away.
What are the different types of stroke?
Ischemic Stroke (≈85% of cases globally)
The most common type of stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain, cutting off oxygen to brain cells.
The most common type of stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain, cutting off oxygen to brain cells.
Hemorrhagic Stroke (≈15% globally)
This type of stroke happens when a blood vessel in or around the brain bursts, causing bleeding. The blood damages brain tissue and increases pressure inside the skull.
This type of stroke happens when a blood vessel in or around the brain bursts, causing bleeding. The blood damages brain tissue and increases pressure inside the skull.
Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA)
Often called a “mini-stroke,” a TIA occurs when blood flow to the brain is temporarily blocked. Symptoms usually disappear within minutes or hours, but it serves as an important warning of a possible future stroke.
Often called a “mini-stroke,” a TIA occurs when blood flow to the brain is temporarily blocked. Symptoms usually disappear within minutes or hours, but it serves as an important warning of a possible future stroke.
What are the typical effects of a stroke?
A stroke can affect many aspects of life, depending on its severity and which part of the brain is affected. Common effects include:
Speech: Difficulty speaking clearly or finding the right words.
Swallowing & eating: Trouble eating or drinking safely.
Memory & thinking: Forgetfulness, confusion, or problems concentrating.
Emotions: Anxiety, depression, mood swings, or sudden changes in emotion.
Mobility: Weakness, balance problems, or difficulty moving arms or legs.
The positive news: With the right care, time, and supportive tools, many stroke survivors can regain abilities — particularly in mobility.
How does a stroke affect mobility?
A stroke can affect the brain’s control of movement. Common challenges include:
Paresis: Weakness in the muscles of the arms, legs, or trunk.
Hemiplegia: Loss of movement on one side of the body.
Spasticity: Stiff or tight muscles.
Foot drop: Difficulty lifting the front of the foot.
Balance and coordination problems: Increased risk of falls.
Contractures: Shortened muscles or joints if not treated.
Gait changes: Dragging a foot or uneven walking steps.
Regaining mobility is a key part of recovery. With therapy, assistive tools, and professional support, many stroke survivors can improve independence and quality of life.
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 to support walking and balance, occupational therapists to help with daily tasks, orthotists for supportive devices, speech and language therapists for communication, and psychologists for emotional wellbeing. Together, they work to help patients regain independence and rebuild confidence.
Phase 1: Emergency care and stabilisation.
Acute stroke treatment takes place in hospital and focuses on rapid, life-saving care to reduce long-term effects. This may include MRI or CT scans, as well as interventions to treat blocked or burst blood vessels. Once patients are stable, gentle early movement may begin to protect mobility and support recovery.
What is immediate treatment for stroke?
Ischemic Stroke (Clot-Related)
The aim of treating an ischaemic stroke is to quickly dissolve or remove the clot and restore blood flow to the brain.
The aim of treating an ischaemic stroke is to quickly dissolve or remove the clot and 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). This medication is very effective at dissolving clots, but it is extremely 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 specialised catheter through an artery, usually in the groin, up to the blocked vessel in the brain, and using a device (such as a stent retriever) to physically remove the clot. Mechanical thrombectomy offers a longer treatment window, up to 6 hours for many patients, and sometimes longer in selected cases and can dramatically reduce long-term disability.
Hemorrhagic Stroke (Caused by Bleeding)
A haemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. The immediate focus of treatment is to control the bleeding and reduce pressure on the surrounding brain tissue.
A haemorrhagic stroke happens when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures. The immediate focus of treatment is to control the bleeding and reduce pressure on the surrounding brain tissue.
Blood pressure control: Medication is given straight away to lower and stabilise blood pressure, which helps reduce strain on the damaged vessels and prevent further bleeding. If the patient is taking blood-thinning medication, doctors will work to reverse its effects immediately.
Surgical intervention: Depending on the severity and location of the bleed, surgery may be necessary. Procedures can include clipping or coiling to repair an aneurysm (a balloon-like bulge) that has ruptured or is at high risk of rupture, or hematoma evacuation to remove accumulated blood and relieve dangerous pressure on the brain.
Phase 2: Rehabilitation.
After leaving hospital, recovery continues with rehabilitation, a vital step in regaining strength, movement, and confidence in daily life. Rehabilitation can take different forms depending on your needs:
Inpatient rehabilitation: Takes place in a specialised stroke unit or rehabilitation centre for people who need more intensive therapy and support. Here, a multidisciplinary team including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, and psychologists work closely with you every day.
Community or outpatient rehabilitation: For those with milder symptoms, therapy can continue at home or in local community rehabilitation centres. You may attend regular sessions with physiotherapists, and community rehabilitation teams can visit you at home to provide support and guidance.
Your recovery plan may include:
Physiotherapy to improve strength, balance, and walking.
Occupational therapy to make everyday tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and cooking, easier.
Neuroplasticity exercises, using guided, repetitive movements to help the brain rebuild lost connections.
Assistive training with tools such as bars, harnesses, or other devices to make movement safer and more comfortable.
The goal of rehabilitation is to help your body relearn essential skills, restore balance and strength, and support you in returning to the activities you enjoy - step by step, at your own pace.
Phase 3: Long-term care, at home.
Recovery continues at home, where daily routines play a key role. This phase focuses on:
Ongoing exercises and safe movement to maintain progress.
Adapting the home to support independence.
Regular check-ins with rehab teams or therapists.
Mobility goals: Maintain the gains made during rehab while continuing to improve strength, balance, and everyday function. Common activities may include stretching, practising walking with aids, repetitive movement exercises, and guided adaptive movements to help rebuild muscle memory and confidence.
Mobility supporting products & resources.
Many stroke survivors benefit from mobility aids and technologies that support movement, independence, and recovery, ranging from simple everyday 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.
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.