Seizures, Sadness, and Spasticity

Due to the brain’s inherent neuroplasticity, stroke patients can make major functional improvements during the first 3–6 months post-injury. Aggressive physical, occupational, and speech therapies should be focused to address individual patient needs. Depression is very common post-stroke, and if left untreated, it may lead to worsened functional outcomes. The development of spasticity post-stroke can impair motor recovery and should be treated with physiotherapy, oral antispasmodics, or local botulinum toxin injections, depending on the severity.