What Happens During a Stroke?

🧠 Understanding the Mechanics of a Stroke

A stroke is a medical emergency that happens when the brain suddenly stops receiving enough blood and oxygen, causing brain cells to become damaged or die. Because the brain controls everything from movement to speech to memory, even a brief lack of blood flow can result in serious, sometimes permanent disabilities.

🩸 Types of Strokes and What Happens Internally

1. Ischemic Stroke (Most Common – ~87%)

  • A blood clot blocks an artery leading to the brain.

  • Blood—and with it, oxygen and nutrients—can’t reach brain tissue.

  • Brain cells begin to die within minutes.

  • The affected area of the brain can no longer control the parts of the body it once did (e.g., arm, leg, or speech function).

Cause: Atherosclerosis, embolism from the heart, or narrowed blood vessels.

2. Hemorrhagic Stroke

  • A blood vessel bursts, causing bleeding in or around the brain.

  • The bleeding increases pressure on the brain, damaging brain tissue.

  • This pressure may also reduce blood flow to other areas of the brain.

Cause: High blood pressure, aneurysm, or trauma.

3. Transient Ischemic Attack (TIA) – "Mini-Stroke"

  • A temporary blockage of blood flow that resolves on its own.

  • No permanent damage, but a serious warning sign.

  • Often precedes a full ischemic stroke.

🚨 What You Might Feel During a Stroke

Stroke symptoms depend on the area of the brain affected. Common signs include:

  • Sudden numbness or weakness (especially one-sided)

  • Trouble speaking or understanding speech

  • Vision loss in one or both eyes

  • Sudden confusion or dizziness

  • Difficulty walking or maintaining balance

  • Severe headache with no known cause

Remember FAST:

  • Face drooping

  • Arm weakness

  • Speech difficulty

  • Time to call emergency services

🧩 What Happens After a Stroke?

Once the stroke occurs:

  • Brain cells die, leading to immediate loss of function in specific areas.

  • Some damage may be temporary with the right rehabilitation.

  • Other areas may take over functions lost in the damaged region, thanks to neuroplasticity (the brain's ability to rewire itself).

✋ How ReHAND™ Helps During Recovery

After a stroke, regaining movement in the affected hand is often one of the biggest challenges. That’s where ReHAND™ comes in.

ReHAND™ is a smart hand rehabilitation tool designed to:

  • Improve flexibility, circulation, and strength

  • Support neural retraining with passive and mirror therapy

  • Help retrain the brain and hand connection

  • Allow users to rehab safely from home with adjustable intensity levels

Whether the stroke occurred weeks or years ago, ReHAND™ helps stroke survivors reclaim independence—one movement at a time.

🧠 In Conclusion

During a stroke, the brain is quite literally starving for oxygen—and every second counts. Recognizing the signs early and getting treatment fast can save lives and reduce long-term damage.

With the right rehabilitation tools and consistent effort, recovery is possible, and many survivors go on to regain strength and independence.

👉 Start your recovery journey today.

Learn how ReHAND™ can help you move forward:
www.re-hand.com