Jacob’s story

World Stroke Day is a chance to improve people’s understanding of strokes, and the difficulties that those recovering from one may face. This year, we’re sharing Jacob’s* story, and how music became a key part of his post-stroke recovery. 

Music became a key part of Jacob’s post-stroke recovery

Jacob’s life was changed after a stroke in 2023, which left him with greatly reduced mobility and severe aphasia (a condition which makes it difficult to communicate). As a result of his stroke, he struggled to form words which understandably caused him a lot of frustration and anxiety.

Jacob attended UCLH’s Neurorehabilitation Unit (NRU) as part of his recovery. It’s here he began music therapy, which became a crucial part of his recovery. 

Jacob’s strong emotional responses to the music making were palpable from the first session.

Becky, Jacob’s music therapist

Although Jacob hadn’t had any formal music training, he very quickly connected with the music in his sessions and naturally took to playing the piano. Despite his limited use of words, Jacob’s emotional responses to the music were “palpable” said his therapist Becky, “ranging from joy, surprise and amusement to moments of sadness.” Gradually Jacob started to sing during his sessions too.

Playing music connected to Jacob’s cultural heritage also became an important part of his sessions and he took pride in teaching Australian folk songs to his music therapist Becky.

With music, he’s able to summon words that are ordinarily beyond reach.

Jacob’s son

The benefits of music therapy in Jacob’s post-stroke recovery were clear to the people around him. A physiotherapist observed that Jacob could stand for longer while singing in his music therapy sessions, and a psychologist noticed that he spoke words more clearly when singing songs. Jacob’s son also believes that sessions helped his dad’s speech, saying: “I’m confident that the music therapy sessions helped him to form some of the few words which he retains to this day.”

Importantly, making music made Jacob really happy. “You can see the joy it brings,” said his son, “I mean, it’s immediate. It’s like the flicking of a switch – it is literally that quick.” Jacob’s son was able to join one of his final sessions, which was a special moment as Jacob and Becky played Australian songs that were meaningful to their family.

Through the power of music, I get to hear my dad’s voice again.

Jacob’s son

*This name has been changed to protect the person’s identity

Watch Jacob and his music therapist Becky in a music therapy session