Navigating the impacts of a stroke

(NC) Did you know that every year, more than 90,000 Canadians experience a stroke? For many, recovery doesn’t end when they leave the hospital. Over half of those who survive are left with lasting mobility challenges, such as trouble walking or climbing stairs.

Beyond movement issues, stroke can also affect speech, memory, reading and comprehension, making everyday tasks more difficult. This can impact independence and quality of life for both survivors and their families.

The way you walk can become a daily battle

Impact on gait, how someone walks, is one of the most common long-term effects after a stroke. In fact, 73 per cent of stroke survivors experience a fall within the first year, making falls one of the most frequent complications and a major barrier to recovery.

For many Canadians, being able to walk safely again can make a world of difference, helping them return to daily activities, regain confidence and reduce the fear of falling.

A new way to support recovery

Advancements in neurorehabilitation are offering new treatments for people working to better their gait. One such option, Portable Neuromodulation Stimulator (PoNS) therapy, uses a small, non-implantable, orally applied device that delivers neurostimulation to the surface of the tongue through a mouthpiece connected to a controller. It’s used primarily at home, along with physical rehabilitation exercise, to improve gait over a 14-week period.

For Jessie, a stroke survivor, the therapy became a turning point.

“My walking was so troubling that my risk of falling, even with my walker, was high,” she says. “I’m noticing real improvements. I’m walking unassisted now, and today, I bent over and tied my own shoes for the first time without worrying about falling.”

Stories like Jessie’s show that for many Canadians recovering from stroke, it isn’t just about walking again, it’s about getting back in step with life.

You can learn more about mobility therapy at ponstherapy.ca.