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Stroke Rehab - Neuropsychological Therapy

When damage is caused to the brain, psychological changes can take place. Common emotional changes include feeling out of control or overwhelmed, depression, anxiety and fatigue.
Cognitive processes may also be affected such as memory, attention span and ability to plan and organise.

Everything you need to know

Our neuropsychologists will work collaboratively with patients and their support network, in order to understand how the incident has impacted them.

Treatment will focus on support and strategy that will help you get back to living life to the fullest

Before therapy

Before the team conduct a neuropsychological assessment, you must arrange an initial appointment with the neuropsychological therapies department.

In this initial meeting, our clinical neuropsychologists will run through your medical history, discuss your mental health, your acquired brain injury, and what your specific goals are for the future. This assessment typically includes standardized tests and interviews to assess a wide range of cognitive functions, such as memory, attention, language, problem-solving, and emotional adjustment. The results help identify specific cognitive and emotional deficits. After the neuropsychological assessment is complete, we can discuss the best way to support you towards rehabilitation.

During therapy

Neuropsychological therapy often includes cognitive rehabilitation exercises and strategies to address specific cognitive deficits. These exercises are designed to improve cognitive skills, enhance memory, decision making and help individuals regain their ability to think, plan, and solve problems.

Stroke survivors may struggle with attention and concentration issues. Therapists work with individuals to improve their ability to focus, sustain attention, and switch between tasks.

Stroke survivors often face emotional challenges, including depression and anxiety. Neuropsychological therapy includes strategies for managing emotions, developing coping skills, and addressing adjustment issues.

The therapies team may also talk to your support network – your family members and friends. This will help the team in understanding any cognitive difficulties, or behaviour changes you may have experienced recently and educate your loved ones on how to best support you.

After therapy

The goal of neuropsychological stroke rehabilitation is to help individuals reintegrate into the community and regain independence. Therapists work on strategies to adapt to home and community environments and facilitate a return to work or social activities when appropriate.

Keep in mind that sometimes it isn’t about a full recovery but adjusting to everyday life with your personal injury.

The length of time that you’re in rehabilitation for will differ person to person. Treatment is an individualised experience. When you are ready to leave the hospital, we will support you every step of the way. We will help arrange any care or psychological therapy (such as cognitive behavioural therapy) you might need going forwards, by referring to your local NHS or private services. Our support doesn’t need to finish when you leave us!

How to pay for your treatment

If you’re… paying for yourself

Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.

For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of therapist and appointment times.

If you’re… insured

St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is approved by all major medical insurance companies. If you have a personal private health insurance policy, or your company provide it for you, you can use it to pay for your care from your initial consultation through to treatment, surgery and aftercare such as physiotherapy. Not all private health insurance plans cover the same things. It’s very important to check exactly what you are covered for with your insurance provider.