Stroke Recovery

UC San Diego Health takes a comprehensive approach to arm and leg dysfunction following a stroke or brain injury.

Our stroke restoration specialists use advanced and innovative treatments to help you regain movement, independence and quality of life.

Common side effects of a stroke include difficulty controlling movement, hemiplegia (partial paralysis) and hemiparesis (weakness on one side of the body). These challenges can affect walking, arm movement and everyday activities such as opening and closing your hands.

After a Stroke

After a stroke, the nervous system attempts to "rewire" and repair itself to compensate for lost motor function. In many cases, however, it is unable to restore normal control of all muscles.

Some muscles may not respond at all, while others become significantly overactive, leading to dysfunctional postures of the arm and hand. These imbalances can also mask muscles that still have good control.

How Stroke Affects Long-Term Movement

Nearly 80% of people who recover from a stroke continue to have difficulty with limb function an dmovement, even after advanced rehabilitation efforts.

Surgery and Treatment

Rehabilitation and physical therapy are usually tried before surgery or other treatments are considered. Our team uses a variety of treatments and techniques to restore function.

Botox injections

Partial cutting of an overactive nerve (neurotomy)

Transfer of nerves to restore function to inactive muscles (nerve transfer)

Lengthening or cutting of tendons that become shortened and immobile

Rerouting of tendons to balance forces across a joint (tendon transfer)

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Paralysis

Paralysis can affect a small or large area, just one side of the body, and can be permanent or temporary.

Learn About Paralysis and Spinal Cord Injuries

Personalized Treatment Plan

Our specialists work with you to develop the most effective plan for restoring function. To determine the best course of treatment, we:

Identify the level of electrical activity in each muscle.
Test specific arm muscles using diagnostic technologies (e.g., multichannel electromyography, or EMG, studies).