John's Condition Post Stroke

John’s stroke on February 12, 1991 was in his left brain.  As a result of his left side brain injury from the stroke, John was completely paralyzed on his right side. He could not walk or use his right arm or right hand. He also lost his ability to speak.

Our bodies are amazing. The left side of the brain controls the right side of the body, and conversely, the right side of the brain controls the left side of the body. In addition and in very simplistic terms, left brain function is generally attributed to logic, and right brain is called the creative side. The left brain also controls the speech centers.

The medical profession called this right side paralysis “right side weakness”. I objected then, and still do, about the use of this terminology. John's right side was not weak. The muscles were still there. He was still strong. He just could not move because the brain and the muscles did not communicate with each other. Initially it was a communication issue, not a “weakness” issue. 

Of course over time, and with no use of those muscles, they weaken. Manual therapy done to those muscles by a therapist or family member prevents and/or minimizes this weakness.

Here’s the magical side effect of physical and occupational therapy: electronic transmission of signals via the nerves is a two way street. John had lost the brain’s ability to transmit signals to the muscles, but the muscles could still transmit signals TO the brain. Thus, by moving the muscles via therapy, information gets sent to the brain and the brain can relearn the communication method. The brain begins to reorganize itself. New neural pathways are created. 

The brain is so amazing! Through therapy the victim of the stroke is no longer a victim: they have moved to the level of survivor and then up the scale to someone who can move and function again. 

Triumph!

 2014 Nancy Weckwerth