Hi! I had a craniotomy done almost 5 months agoand my left side is affected, though i can already walk with the use of a cane my left hand and arms feel so weak.i can only grip but my fingers wont open voluntarily anyone who would like to share theireperiences like exercises you have doneto improve mobility of arms. I would really appreciate it. Thanks!
My husband had botox in his left arm which really helped him realize he is able to move more than he thought. That was because the muscle spasticity and tone was preventing his movement. He does a lot of ball squeezing, uses those hand grippers, and stretching a rubber band with his hand. It seems to be helping, but the process is slow!
GOOD LUCK!
Those are a lot of good suggestions.
What you have to do is stop using your right arm you can regain mobility but you only have a year to do it in ask the occupational therapy to put your good hand in a temp cast so that you can be made to use the left hand and you will see with lots of practice you will be most of it back
I’m eight months out from my bleed, and like you I can walk with a cane. My left arm has only begun to slowly wake up, with fingers just starting to close and the shoulder starting to shrug. It’s a slow process, but with new activity I’m excited! I can feel your frustration, but hang in there!!
Hi Vanessa,
The major thing is not to give up and work on increasing movement whenever you can. It also takes a lot of patience with one's self.
I couldn't use my arm after I had an AVM removed from my neck. I was kicked out of occupation therapy for lack of progress. So I exercised my arm by wiping down my shower each day. Gradually I was able to lift my arm.
However, I also have some problems with opening jars. I'm going to use some of jberman's suggestions and see if I can get some strength back in my left hand. Thanks, jberman!
Hi Vanessa !
I am an OT as well as an AVM survivor. My AVM was in the pons area of the brain strength.
So as for your L Hand and fingers, the muscles on the top of your hand /arm (not the palm) control the opening of your fingers. They are called extensor muscles. Deep vibration should help to wake up the muscles. Use a massager, either manual or electric.
Brushing with a semi soft bristles may also help.
Don’t give up and continue to try new things.
The more you use the L hand the more pathways will be built in the brain and the stronger the pathways will get.
Cheers!
Pons area of the brain stem****
my daughter had botox injections a few times, as well, and it helped for a few months each time we did it. She also did a CIT (constraint-induced therapy) program at UVA-Kluge Children's Rehab Clinic for three weeks which helped the most. But after the cast came off of her "good" arm, she still preferred to use the good arm because it's so much easier for her. OT is important to keep up the strength in weaker side, but I'm sure the amount of time OT is required is different for each patient. My daughter had OT for about 5 years (weekly) and is now taking a break from it. Best of luck to you!
Thanks for the great suggestions, Kellie. I'll try the semi-soft bristles on the top of my left hand to see if that helps my ability to grip and open bottles and jars with my left hand. But some of my issues also stem from having arthritis in both hands.
I also do wall push ups to maintain the strength in both arms. But with the issues you have opening your hand voluntarily, that might not be done that easily. I just tried doing one with a clinched fist, and it was difficult but doable.
I was an inpatient at a Rehabiliataion hospital and had LOTS of Occupational and physical therapy - this was 9 years ago and have 100% recovered physically. I was very close to 80% after being discharged 3 months after my hemorrhage. The therapists worked a lot with my left hand - just scribbling with a pen and putting marbles in and out of a small bowl.
GOOD LUCK!
I can definitely sympathize with you! I had a large avm removed from my left frontal lobe in Feb. 09 and was completely out on my right side, and also could not speak for a short time. I found the same thing you are experiencing though by five months out I could definitely move my fingers in and out but not like I used to be able to do. I found that during the early days of OT and PT I had to really concentrate and mimic my good side and sometimes I just had to yell at my bad side and command it what to do! I had many occasions where I wrenched my shoulder by not being able to release the door of the fridge handle for example. Or the stair railing. Or the rope behind a boat as I was tubing in '11 and broke two fingers requiring surgery. I have cone to accept with peace that my right side will just never be quite right or as strong no matter how much I work out. Hope this helps you. Be strong my fellow survivor!
I’m an AVM Survivor (bleed/hemorrhage Sept 2011)…and I’m an OT as well. I completely agree with your approach with the suggested techniques.
Hi Vanessa,
My mother suffered a TIA mini stroke in November and she lost some control of her mobility. She also uses a cane to walk. Her Occupational Therapist had her use her cane for exercising her arms. He recommended she push upwards, outwards -- away from body, and in circular rotations 10 times each with her cane. She was able to meet her goals and graduated from his therapy sessions, but he recommends she continues to do the exercise. I wish you a good recovery, and I hope this will help.
You still have recovery time ahead of you. Five months is not long at all. Keep on working hard at it and it might just come! A couple of days ago i was able to move my ankle up and down and that was something i was not able to do prior to that (i could move it slightly only); and it has been three years already!
Thanks for the suggestion!
Thanks tim!
Thanks deb!
Thanks kellie! I will devinitely try your suggestions.