Neuroplasticity in Stroke Recovery

What is Neuroplasticity?

Neuroplasticity, also known as neural plasticity or brain plasticity, refers to the brain’s ability to adapt or change (1). Neuro refers to the neurons, the nerve cells that are the building blocks of the brain and nervous system, while plasticity refers to change

The brain rewires itself through neuroplasticity. Brain cells send messages, which are the neural connections around the brain. However, when an individual experiences a stroke, the stroke damages some of the connections inside the brain in addition to the connection between the brain and the rest of the body (4). Rehabilitation activities help the brain in making new neural connections in the healthy parts of your brain. More neural connections can improve your brain’s ability to control your body and perform daily activities. Every time you take an extra step, say a new word or do an exercise, it helps the brain make new connections (4).
The brain rewires itself through neuroplasticity. Brain cells send messages, which are the neural connections around the brain. However, when an individual experiences a stroke, the stroke damages some of the connections inside the brain in addition to the connection between the brain and the rest of the body (4). Rehabilitation activities help the brain in making new neural connections in the healthy parts of your brain. More neural connections can improve your brain’s ability to control your body and perform daily activities. Every time you take an extra step, say a new word or do an exercise, it helps the brain make new connections (4).

Physical Benefits:

• Speeds up all-around stroke recovery

• Recovers strength

• Improves balance

• Increases walking speed

• Boosts the ability to perform daily routine activities

• Prevents the recurrence of strokes

Mental Benefits:

• Reduces depression and enhances mood

• Boosts brain health

• Relieves stress

• Helps in increasing a sense of self-worth and self-reliance that can decrease after a stroke

• Gives patients a sense of purpose and a goal to work towards

• What is the Ipsihand?

References:

https://positivepsychology.com/neuroplasticity/#stroke-neuroplasticity (1)

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557811/ (2)

https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-brain-plasticity-2794886 (3)

https://www.stroke.org.uk/effects-of-stroke/neuroplasticity-rewiring-the-brain (4)

https://www.flintrehab.com/neuroplasticity-after-stroke/ (5)

https://tactustherapy.com/neuroplasticity-stroke-survivors/ (6)

https://www.stroke.org.nz/sites/default/files/inline-files/Your%20Guide%20to%20Exercise%20after%20a%20Stroke%202017%20%281%29.pdf (7)

https://www.scielo.br/j/anp/a/JL9mMt9QKWp8g85shXndnWs/ (8)

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3266302/ (9)

https://www.neofect.com/us/blog/the-ultimate-guide-to-stroke-exercises (10)

https://strokerecoverybc.ca/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/GRASP_All_3_levels11490.pdf (11)

https://ninkatec.com/nutrition-and-fitness-for-stroke-recovery/ (12)
Seek out a qualified rehabilitation counselor.
Is Ipsihand covered by insurance? Not yet
How much is Ipsihand? The Neurolutions IpsiHand system is a qualified medical expense under a heath savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA). Please verify youreligibility by checking with your individual physicianNeuroplasticity in Stroke Recovery