Can my brain make changes 6 months post stroke?

One question that people following a stroke often ask is – “Can I make gains even if it has been a while since my brain injury occurred?”

Some people are told that intervention after 6 months after your stroke will not be effective.

Here are the facts:

· Neuroplasticity is the “learning” process by which your brain forms and reorganises connections, in response to experience

· Research has shown that the brain can continue to heal and make changes up to 2 years after a stroke

· Neuroplasticity is not always visible – meaning you can’t always see changes to your brain, even though changes have occurred and learning has taken place

· A significant amount of change occurs within the first year after a stroke. After this time, neuroplasticity slows down… But this does not mean that no change can occur!

· There are many factors that can affect progress, including age, motivation and intensity of practice

· 6 months post-stroke is NOT the end of recovery!

· Repeated practice over time results in learning, and learning can happen any time… despite how “flexible” your brain is