Stroke
Stroke is a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to the brain is disrupted, leading to brain damage. It can result from either a blockage (ischemic stroke) or bleeding (hemorrhagic stroke). Here’s an overview of stroke:
- 1. Ischemic Stroke
- Description: The most common type, accounting for about 87% of all strokes. It occurs when a blood vessel supplying blood to the brain is obstructed.
- Causes: Usually caused by blood clots that form in arteries due to atherosclerosis or can travel from other parts of the body (embolism).
- 2. Hemorrhagic Stroke:
- Description: Occurs when a blood vessel in the brain bursts, leading to bleeding in or around the brain.
- Causes: Often caused by high blood pressure, aneurysms, or arteriovenous malformations.
Stroke risk factors are divided into modifiable and non-modifiable categories. Modifiable risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, and unhealthy diets, all of which can be managed or changed to reduce risk. Non-modifiable risk factors consist of age (with risk increasing after 55), family history of stroke, gender (men generally have a higher risk), and a previous history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Understanding and addressing these factors is crucial for effective stroke prevention and management.
- Medication
- Thrombolytics (clot busters) like alteplase (tPA), which can dissolve clots if administered within a specific time frame after the stroke onset.
- Antiplatelet agents such as aspirin or clopidogrel to prevent further clot formation.
- Anticoagulants like warfarin or newer agents (e.g., rivaroxaban) may be used for patients with certain conditions like atrial fibrillation.
- Signs and Symptoms
- Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body (face, arm, or leg).
- Difficulty speaking or understanding speech.
- Walking difficulty with loss of balance or coordination.
- Sudden trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
- A sudden, severe headache with no known cause (more common in hemorrhagic stroke).
- The key acronym to remember for recognizing the signs of a stroke is FAST:
- F: Face drooping – Is one side of the face numb or drooping? Ask the person to smile.
- A: Arm weakness – Is one arm weak or numb? Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward?
- S: Speech difficulty – Is speech slurred or hard to understand? Ask the person to repeat a simple phrase.
- T: Time to call emergency services – If you observe any of these signs, call emergency services immediately. Time is critical in treating a stroke.
Remembering FAST can help you act quickly and potentially save a life.
- Physiotherapy Management
The “golden period” for physiotherapy after a stroke typically refers to the initial weeks following the event, often within the first 3 to 6 months. During this time, there are significant opportunities for recovery and rehabilitation. Here are the physiotherapy treatments for stroke patients :
- Neuromuscular Re-education: Techniques to improve motor control and coordination, helping patients regain movement patterns.
- Strength Training: Focus on strengthening affected muscles to improve function and mobility.
- Balance and Coordination Exercises: Activities designed to enhance stability and prevent falls, which may include standing exercises and gait training.
- Mobility Training: Techniques such as gait training and using assistive devices (e.g., walkers, canes) to promote safe ambulation.
- Transfers Training: Teaching safe methods for moving from one position to another (e.g., from sitting to standing, or bed to chair).
- Functional Training: Training to help patients perform daily tasks, such as dressing, grooming, and cooking.
- Task-Specific Training: Focus on activities relevant to the patient’s lifestyle or occupation.
- Patient and Caregiver Education: Provide home exercise programs for continuing rehabilitation at home. Educate on fall prevention strategies on modifying the home environment to enhance safety
Get to know how Physiotherapy can help you
Physiotherapy helps reduce pain, improve movement, and support recovery. Let us guide you to better health.
Chat With Us
