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STROKE

 

Source: Times of India

Stroke is a condition in which the cells of the brain die due to poor blood flow to the brain. There are two types of Stroke:

1.     Ischemic Stroke: Caused due to lack of blood flow to the brain.
     2 Hemorrhagic  Stroke: Caused due to excessive bleeding .
   Due to this poor blood supply to the brain, the cells begin to die, which results in damage to some part of the brain, which leads to some of the following symptoms:
   ·         Loss of movement to one side of the body
   ·         Slurring/Loss of Speech
   ·         Dizziness
   ·         Loss of vision
   ·         Confusion
   ·         Severe and sudden Headache
   ·         Loss of Balance and Coordination etc
   The risk factors for stroke involves High blood pressure (most  important),tobacco smoking, obesity  , high blood cholesterol, diabetes mellitus , or a previous TIA.
   TIA is known as Transient Ischemic Attack, which can be explained as, if symptoms last less than one or two hours it is known as a TIA. However, this is definitely a sign / symptom of a full blown Ischemic stroke, which could occur anytime soon, even the same day. Consequently, an immediate medical evaluation will help stave off dire consequences.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Rehabilitation for Stroke
   Rehabilitation process for stroke involves a team which comprises of:
   1.      Physical Therapist
   2.      Occupational Therapist
   3.      Speech Therapist
   Physical Therapy: The aim of physical therapy is to have the stroke patient relearn simple motor activities such as walking, sitting, standing, lying down, and the process of switching from one type of movement to another.
   Occupational Therapy: Help patients relearn daily activities .This type of therapy also involves exercise and training. Its goal is to help the stroke patient relearn everyday activities such as eating, drinking and swallowing, dressing, bathing, cooking, reading and writing, and using the toilet. Occupational therapists seek to help the patient become independent or semi-independent.
   Speech therapy: Helps stroke patients relearn language and speaking skills, or learn other forms of communication. Speech therapy is appropriate for patients who have no problems with cognition or thinking, but have problems understanding speech or written words, or problems forming speech. With time and patience, a stroke survivor should be able to regain some, and sometimes all, language and speaking abilities.
   Source: nia.nih.gov/health/rehabilitation-after-stroke