Stroke Recovery
What is a Stroke?
Stroke, also known as Cerebro Vascular Accident (CVA), occurs when there is a sudden or gradual interruption of the blood flow to a part of brain resulting in a sudden loss of related neurological function. This can lead to a range of deficits including changes in the level of consciousness as well as impairments of motor, cognitive sensory and perceptual and language function. However, it is to be noted that in order to classify it as a stroke, neurological deficits must persist for atleast 24 hours.
The major risk factors of stroke are – Hypertension, Heart disease, Disorders of heart rhythm, Diabetes mellitus, Congestive heart failure, Peripheral arterial disease, abnormal levels of blood lipids, Bad cholesterol, Smoking and Alcohol. The term hemiplegia (one side paralysis of the body) is a common presentation, generally used to describe a variety of motor deficits that result from stroke.
Types of Strokes
1. Ischemic stroke.
2. Hemorrhagic stroke.
3. Transient Ischemic stroke.
Understand the Early Warning Signs of Stroke
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Sudden numbness or weakness on one side of whole or part of body including the face, arm or neck.
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Sudden Trouble in speaking and understanding.
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Sudden Trouble in one or both eyes in seeing.
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Sudden Lack of Balance or coordination and having problem in walking.
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Severe Headache.
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Impairment of consciousness or memory.
Remember FAST, an easy way to recognize stroke
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F – Face Dropping
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A – Arm Weakness
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S – Speech difficulty
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T – Time to call ambulance or Emergency
Rehabilitation after Stroke
After a stroke, recovery depends on brain’s ability to recognize its undamaged cells that can compensate for loss of function. This is called Neuroplasticity. Human brain cannot grow new cells to replace the damaged ones.
The main focus of our rehabilitation is to train a stroke survivor to recognise the function loss of the side, restore the function and restore the ability to use both sides of his or her body again. Rehabilitation is targeted to regain strength and movement of the affected parts of the body, improving static as well as dynamic balance, maximising functional independence in daily life activities. Physiotherapy or occupational therapy can provide expert practical guidance to help the stroke patient in recovery. Both the therapies go hand-in-hand, helping the patient in building his or her confidence and developing skills to manage daily activities which are important for total well-being.
Our multidisciplinary stroke rehabilitation team includes doctors, neuro therapists, therapists for speech and language training and counsellors to help in relieving psychosocial problems, etc.