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Dead brain tissue won't regenerate. But other parts of the brain are very good at taking over the functions of damaged brain tissue. So recovery is possible, sometimes by a surprising amount.

Rehabilitation will help restore as much function as possible. This involves the person working with speech therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, gerontologists, GPs and social workers.

How much function the person recovers depends on how severe the stroke was, how soon after the stroke rehabilitation starts (the sooner the better), how motivated the person is (it's a big help if they are) and how good the rehabilitation team is.

Most recovery takes place in the first month. The milder the stroke, the more complete is the recovery.

Of people who have a stroke, one in ten per cent recover almost completely; one in four recover with mild disability; 40 per cent will need significant ongoing care; and one in ten will need to be in a nursing home. Fifteen per cent will not survive the stroke.

Rehabilitation and Therapy

Rehabilitation will begin in hospital as soon as possible after a stroke to relearn skills which have been lost. It helps to build independence, confidence and physical strength which assist in the recovery process. They include:

Physical therapy – to learn walking, sitting and lying down and changing from one type of movement to another (walking quickly to slow walking).

Occupational therapy – concentrates on relearning to eat, drink, swallow, dress, bath, cook, read, write and toilet hygiene.

Speech therapy – concentrates on language and communication skills.

Psychological/psychiatric therapy – works through mental and emotional problems.