Brunnstroms Stages of Stroke Recovery

___________________________________________________________________________________ In the 1960s, a physical therapist named Brunnstrom described the typical recovery of motor function following a stroke. Those 7 stages of recovery (or 6, depending on who you ask) are still fairly well supported by research. The length of time that each stage lasts can vary significantly, depending on the location of the stroke, the severity of the stroke, and many other factors.

Stage 1: Flaccidity capable of no voluntary movement on the most-affected side Stage 2: Spasticity appears; capable of movement only in synergy patterns, and usually not voluntary. (For more info on spasticity, read my article What causes spasticity after a stroke? and for info on synergy patterns read my article What is a synergy?) Stage 3: Spasticity increases; gaining voluntary control of movement in synergy patterns Stage 4: Spasticity decreases; voluntary movement without synergy patterns begins Stage 5: Spasticity continues to decline; capable of more complex natural movements Stage 6: Spasticity dissapears, except for when fatigued; movement of individual joints is almost normal Stage 7: Normal movement _________________________________________________________________________________________

These stages simply display a continuum of recovery, as the body progresses through spasticity and synergy movement patterns. It gives clinicians a way to classify levels of recovery, and gives you at least a vague idea of how your body might adjust through your rehab process. Keep in mind that not every stroke survivor progresses all the way to stage 7. Whether this is due to the extent of the brain injury, or due to decreased motivation and perseverance.well, thats a good question.