Stroke physiotherapy treatment is very important for patients. It helps them to recover quickly and properly.
What is a stroke?
A stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted. This can happen due to a blockage, such as a clot, or a bleed. When this happens, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and begin to die. This can lead to lasting damage or even death.
Symptoms of a stroke can include sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg; sudden confusion or trouble speaking, and sudden difficulty seeing in one or both eyes. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to call 911 immediately and get to a hospital as quickly as possible.
While strokes are serious and often life-threatening, there are treatments available that can minimize damage and help people recover. For example, clot-busting drugs can be used to dissolve clots and restore blood flow to the brain. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove blockages or repair damaged blood vessels. With prompt treatment and rehabilitation, many people who have had a stroke are able to regain their independence and live full lives.
Types of strokes
There are two main types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic. An ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel is blocked, usually by a clot. This type of stroke accounts for about 87 per cent of all cases. A hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel ruptures, spilling blood into the brain. This type of stroke accounts for about 13 per cent of all cases.
Ischemic strokes can be further divided into two types: thrombotic and embolic. A thrombotic stroke occurs when a clot forms within one of the arteries supplying blood to the brain. An embolic stroke occurs when a clot forms elsewhere in the body and is swept through the bloodstream until it lodges in an artery supplying blood to the brain.
Hemorrhagic strokes can also be further divided into two types: intraparenchymal and subarachnoid. An intraparenchymal haemorrhage occurs when bleeding occurs within the brain tissue itself. A subarachnoid haemorrhage occurs when bleeding occurs in the space between the brain and the thin membranes that cover it (the meninges).
Signs and symptoms of a stroke
A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of your brain is cut off. A stroke is a medical emergency and can cause serious problems.
The signs and symptoms of a stroke can be different for everyone. They may develop suddenly or over time.
If you think someone may be having a stroke, call 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance.
Signs and symptoms of a stroke include:
* Sudden weakness or numbness in the face, arm or leg (usually on one side of the body)
* Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding others
* Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes
* Sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination
* Sudden severe headache with no known cause
If you experience any of these signs or symptoms, don’t delay – call 999 immediately.
Causes of a stroke
A stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. This can happen due to a blockage, such as a clot, or a bleed. When this happens, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and begin to die.
There are many different factors that can contribute to a person having a stroke. Some of the more common causes include
High blood pressure: Which is one of the most important risk factors for stroke. High blood pressure puts strain on the arteries and makes them more likely to become blocked or rupture.
Smoking: Cigarette smoking is a major cause of stroke. The chemicals in cigarettes damage the arteries and make them more likely to narrow or block.
Diabetes: People with diabetes have high levels of sugar in their blood, which can damage the arteries and lead to stroke.
High cholesterol: Cholesterol build-up in the arteries can narrow them and eventually lead to stroke.
Family history: If you have close family members who have had strokes, you are at greater risk of having one yourself.
Risk factors for a stroke
A stroke is a serious medical condition that occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted. This can happen due to a blockage in the blood vessels or bleeding in the brain. A stroke can lead to paralysis, difficulty speaking, and even death.
There are several risk factors for a stroke, including
-High blood pressure: This is the most important risk factor for a stroke. High blood pressure puts strain on the arteries and makes them more likely to become blocked or rupture.
-Smoking: Cigarette smoking doubles the risk of having a stroke. It also increases the risk of dying from a stroke by three times.
-Diabetes: People with diabetes are two to four times more likely to have a stroke than people without diabetes.
-Heart disease: People with heart disease are at an increased risk of having a stroke. This includes people with irregular heartbeats (atrial fibrillation) and those who have had previous heart attacks or strokes.
-Age: The risk of having a stroke increases as you age. This is especially true for people over the age of 55. However, strokes can occur at any age, even in young children and infants.
Prevention of a stroke
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to your brain is interrupted or reduced. This can happen if a blood vessel in your brain bursts or is blocked by a clot. When this happens, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and begin to die. A stroke can cause permanent damage to your brain, and it is a leading cause of disability.
There are two main types of strokes: ischemic strokes, which are caused by a clot blocking the blood supply to the brain, and hemorrhagic strokes, which occur when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures.
You can help prevent stroke by making lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and not smoking. You can also help prevent stroke by controlling risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, and atrial fibrillation.
Treatment of a stroke
A stroke is a serious medical emergency. If you think someone may be having a stroke, call 9-1-1 right away.
Clot-busting drugs. If given soon after a stroke, clot-busting (thrombolytic) drugs can break up clots and improve blood flow to the brain. But they must be given within 4½ hours of the start of symptoms to work well.
Surgery. Surgery may be needed to remove a blood clot from the brain (intracerebral haemorrhage), repair a damaged blood vessel, or relieve pressure on the brain caused by bleeding or swelling.
Rehabilitation therapy. Physical, occupational, speech and other types of therapies can help you regain skills you lost because of the stroke.
8.1 Emergency treatment for a stroke
A stroke is a medical emergency. If you think someone may be having a stroke, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
Emergency treatment for a stroke begins when you arrive at the hospital. Every minute counts. The sooner a person gets treatment, the better the chance for recovery.
Your doctor will try to determine the type of stroke and its cause. Treatment will focus on preventing further damage and helping you recover as much function as possible.
8.2 Rehabilitation after a stroke
A stroke can be a debilitating event, but with proper rehabilitation, many people are able to regain much of their previous function. Rehabilitation typically begins soon after the stroke, while the person is still in the hospital. The goals of rehabilitation are to help the person regain as much independence as possible and to improve their quality of life.
The type and intensity of rehabilitation will vary depending on the individual’s needs and abilities. Some common types of rehabilitation therapies include
-Physical therapy: To help regain strength, mobility, and coordination
-Occupational therapy: To help with activities of daily living such as eating, dressing, and bathing
-Speech therapy: To help with communication and swallowing difficulties
-Cognitive therapy: To help with memory problems and other thinking difficulties
-Counseling: To provide support and assistance with adjusting to life after a stroke
Rehabilitation can be a long process, but most people make significant progress within the first few months. With dedication and commitment, many people are able to regain much of their previous level of function.
