Balance

Keeping Your Balance  

There are many causes of balance problems after a stroke. They include:

• Weakness on one side of your body and foot drop
• Loss of sensation on the affected side
• Concentration problems
• Vision problems and spatial neglect
• Vertigo (primarily brainstem strokes)

In these above cases, balance is usually resolved when the underlying cause is addressed.

If the stroke strikes the part of the brain called the cerebellum, regaining balance may take some time. People with cerebellum strokes may have ataxia, which manifests in clumsy, uncoordinated movements.

In any case. physical therapy is a cornerstone of recovery, hopefully with professional physical therapist. Home exercises can be also helpful. Here are some exercises and balance retraining sites:

• At-home Exercises for Stroke Survivors
• Balance exercises (from Flint Rehab)
• Methods for Regaining Balance After Stroke
• More balance exercises (from Saebo Inc.)
• Exercises for Stroke Patients to Improve Stability
• Learn how to walk without a cane 
• Benign Vertigo vs. Stroke: How to Differentiate