Please share an interesting fact about recovering from a stroke.

Ignore: Recovery from a stroke can occur years after the initial event. A long term outlook is needed.

Ignore: If you can build collateral circulation to the brain around injured area, that helps.

Ignore: I suffered from a brain bleed 2 years ago. At 1 1/2 years out i could not play organ and piano to my satisfaction so as to play in public. I had pretty much given up hope and had not even tried until i was asked to play piano at a friends wedding two weeks ago. Much to my surprise i had fully regain function which is something i thought would never happen.

Ignore: Fear is your enemy. Stick to your goals. Hard work and persistence pay off.

Ignore: Educate yourself about recovery from strokes: visit www.stroke.org and look for webinars on strokes.

Ignore: Seek acute rehab within the first 12 months of brain injury to get the most long-term recovery.

Depression: Depression is common after stroke and can be effectively treated.

Ignore: Patients continue to improve neurologically for up to 18 months after a stroke. Remain optimistic.

Ignore: Recovering from a stroke can be very frustrating as the process is often lengthy. Be patient.

Ignore: Recovery of speech after a stroke can take up to two (2) years.

Ignore: Getting rehabilitation is crucial, and neuroplastic repair depends upon it. Insist on getting it.

Ignore: Up to 40% of people develop depression after a stroke.