Have you ever stepped onto an escalator without thinking twice? It’s a simple, everyday action—until it isn’t. After my stroke, something as routine as riding an escalator turned into an unexpected challenge, forcing me to confront the gap between what my brain remembered and what my body could now do.
It wasn’t until I found myself walking through airports, navigating crowded ball game stadiums, or even just using an escalator while shopping at the mall that I truly realized how much things had changed. A quick ride to next level that once felt effortless now required intense focus, physical effort, and, at times, a helping hand.
In this post, I’ll share my journey of relearning something that used to be second nature, the frustrations and small victories along the way, and the lessons that have reshaped my perspective on recovery and resilience.
How the Brain Handles Second Nature Tasks
Neurologically, second nature relies on well-worn neural pathways that allow the brain to execute movements and behaviors with minimal cognitive load. These pathways form through repetition, becoming deeply embedded in the brain’s motor and memory systems. However, a stroke can damage these pathways, forcing the brain to rebuild them or find alternative routes. This rewiring process takes time and can make once-simple activities feel unfamiliar or even overwhelming.
A Shock on the Escalator
One of my most surprising post-stroke experiences happened when I stepped onto a moving escalator. Before my stroke, my brain knew exactly how to adjust my balance and step forward smoothly. But after my stroke, that instinct was gone. The moment my foot touched the moving step, my body froze in shock. My brain had lost the automatic adjustments that once made escalators effortless. Instead, I had to consciously plan each movement, something I had never done before. It was a humbling reminder that second nature is not guaranteed—it’s a privilege that stroke survivors must often rebuild, one step at a time.
The Physical and Psychological Toll
For many stroke survivors, something as routine as stepping onto a moving escalator at a mall or airport can be a daunting challenge. Stroke often affects balance, coordination, and depth perception, making it difficult to judge the timing and positioning needed to step safely onto a floor that is constantly shifting. Additionally, survivors may experience weakness on one side of the body or muscle stiffness (spasticity), making quick, confident movements harder. Beyond the physical hurdles, there is also the psychological impact—a heightened fear of falling can create hesitation or even avoidance. Understanding these challenges can help caregivers and bystanders offer support with patience and empathy, making the world a little more accessible for stroke survivors on their journey of relearning second nature.
Source: Article:Thomas Broussard, Ph.D
Add comment
Comments