Puzzle master Will Shortz pieces together his recovery from a stroke

In February, a man experienced a stroke affecting the right side of his brain, which left the left side of his body incapacitated and caused speech difficulties. Remarkably, his ability to solve and create puzzles remained unaffected, a skill appreciated by millions. With such brain injuries, speech and gesture abilities tend to be less impacted compared to physical weakness on the opposite side of the body.

Stroke recovery can be extensive, often requiring months of rehabilitation. Eight months post-stroke, he expressed feeling good but not yet physically perfect. He emphasized the importance of prompt emergency treatment, sharing how critical it was to get to a hospital quickly for care.

Despite receiving quick treatment, he spent a week in emergency care, followed by several weeks in a rehabilitation center. Initially, he underestimated the importance of using his left arm, thinking rest would be more beneficial. He later realized active use would better facilitate brain reconnection.

He successfully attended an important event, which he had not missed since its inception. He continues daily therapy sessions, engaging in outpatient therapy and in-home exercises, believing varied exercises are crucial for brain health. This regimen has helped him regain some mobility and use of his left hand. His progress defies the myth that stroke recovery is limited to a specific timeframe, affirming that the brain continues healing over years.

Facing recovery challenges, including plateaus, he likened the experience to solving complex puzzles. By concentrating on small solvable parts, he managed to continually progress, much like solving a crossword, progressing step by step until completion.