Why personalised treatment plans are so important for stroke recovery
Every person’s experience with a stroke is unique, which is why a one-size-fits-all approach to recovery just doesn’t work. As I know from my experience as a paralegal in the Adult Brain Injury Team at Bolt Burdon Kemp and my background in neuroscience, stroke rehabilitation needs to be carefully tailored to the individual, with a team of specialists working together to give the best chance of recovery.
A stroke due to inadequate medical care can add more challenges to an already difficult situation. That’s where legal support comes in – helping people get the financial resources they need for personalised care to support their recovery and long-term wellbeing.
What is a stroke?
A stroke happens when the blood supply to a part of the brain is disrupted, causing brain cells to die. There are two main types of strokes:
· Ischaemic stroke – caused by a blood clot or blockage in a blood vessel, stopping blood flow to the brain.
· Haemorrhagic stroke: caused by a burst blood vessel, which leads to bleeding in or around the brain.
Every two seconds, someone somewhere in the world has a stroke. Around 15 million people are affected every year, and many face life-changing challenges. Around 40% of stroke survivors have ongoing issues, like trouble moving, speaking, or thinking clearly. About 15-30% experience severe difficulties in multiple areas of their lives.
This is why rehabilitation is so important – it helps people regain as much independence as possible. But because every stroke is different, recovery plans need to be tailored to suit each person’s specific needs.
When clinical negligence causes a stroke
Sometimes, strokes could have been avoided if medical professionals had provided proper care. Clinical negligence happens when a healthcare provider makes a mistake or delays treatment, leading to avoidable harm.
Common examples of clinical negligence leading to strokes include:
· Delays in giving clot-busting treatment (thrombolysis).
· Misdiagnosing a mini-stroke (TIA) and missing the chance to prevent a full stroke.
· Prescribing the wrong medication or incorrect dosages, especially with blood thinning drugs.
These mistakes can be devastating, leaving patients to deal with the effects of the stroke as well as the need for intensive rehabilitation to recover.
The challenges of stroke recovery
Recovering from a stroke is different for everyone. It depends on factors like:
· How severe the stroke was.
· Which parts of the brain were affected. · The person’s age, health, and personal circumstances.
Symptoms can vary widely, including:
· Physical difficulties: weakness paralysis or trouble with coordination. · Cognitive challenges: memory problems, trouble concentrating, or difficulty making decisions.
· Emotional struggles: Anxiety, depression, or low confidence.
Because no two stroke recoveries are the same, having a tailored plan addressing each person’s unique circumstances is essential.
How personalised treatment plans help
A personalised treatment plan ensures rehabilitation focuses on what the individual needs most. A team of specialists, such as physiotherapists, speech therapists, psychologists, and occupational therapists, work together to create a plan to support recovery and independence.
The plan might include:
· Physiotherapy to help regain strength, balance, and movement.
· Speech and cognitive therapy to address language skills, memory and thinking.
· Psychological support to manage the emotional effects of a stroke
· Social and occupational strategies to help people get back to work, hobbies, or everyday life.
By focusing on what each person needs most, personalised plans can:
· speed up recovery and improve outcomes.
· boost confidence and motivation to stick with the treatment.
· make the best use of time and resources.
Why legal support matters
At Bolt Burdon Kemp, we know the right legal support can be life-changing for stroke survivors dealing with the aftermath of clinical negligence. Our specialist Adult Brain Injury team is dedicated to helping individuals access the rehabilitation and care they need as soon as possible.
We aim to secure funding for the lifetime costs of treatment, care, and rehabilitation but we also advocate for interim payments early in the legal process and collaborate closely with multidisciplinary teams to ensure our clients can access vital support without delay. This timely intervention is crucial to prevent further complications and to give stroke survivors the best possible chance of recovery.
Final thoughts
A stroke caused by clinical negligence is life-changing, but with the right support, recovery is possible. Personalised treatment plans, backed by a team of specialists, can help people rebuild their lives and regain independence.
If you or someone you love has experienced a stroke due to medical negligence, don’t wait to get help. Contact our experienced team today. We’ll guide you through the process to get you swiftly on the road to recovery with your personalised treatment plan.
