Dr.Rajesh Kanna.PT General and Orthopaedic Physiotherapist of Friends Physiotherapy Hospital and Secretary of Coimbatore Physiotherapy Doctors Association has Said Stroke occurs when the supply of blood to the brain is either interrupted or reduced. When this happens, the brain does not get enough oxygen or nutrients which causes brain cells to die.
Types of Stroke:
1. Ischemic Stroke
Ischemic stroke is the most common form of stroke, accounting for around 85% of strokes. This type of stroke is caused by blockages or narrowing of the arteries that provide blood to the brain, resulting in ischemia - severely reduced blood flow.
2. Hemorrhagic stroke
Hemorrhagic stroke are caused by arteries in the brain either leaking blood or bursting open. The leaked blood puts pressure on brain cells and damages them. Blood vessels can burst or spill blood in the middle of the brain or near the surface of the brain, sending blood into the space between the brain and the skull.
3. Transient ischemic attack (TIA)
TIAs should be regarded as medical emergencies just like the other kinds of stroke, even if the blockage of the artery is temporary. They serve as warning signs for future strokes and indicate that there is a partially blocked artery or clot source in the heart.
Symptoms of Stroke:
1. Weakness on one side of the body
2. Numbness of the face
3. Unusual and severe headache
4. Vision loss
5. Numbness and tingling
6. Unsteady walk.
The acronym F.A.S.T. is a way to remember the signs of stroke, and can help identify the onset of stroke more quickly:
Face drooping: if the person tries to smile does one side of the face droop?
Arm weakness: if the person tries to raise both their arms does one arm drift downward?
Speech difficulty: if the person tries to repeat a simple phrase is their speech slurred or strange?
Time to call Ambulance: if any of these signs are observed, contact the emergency
Immediate Treatment:
The faster a person with suspected stroke receives medical attention, the better their prognosis and the less likely they will be to experience lasting damage or death.
In order for a stroke patient to get the best diagnosis and treatment possible, they will need to be treated at a hospital within 4 hours of their symptoms first appearing.
Ischemic Stroke
Treatment can begin with drugs to break down clots and prevent further ones from forming. Aspirin can be given, as can an injection of a tissue plasminogen activator (TPA). TPA is very effective at dissolving clots but needs to be injected within 4.5 hours of stroke symptoms manifesting themselves.
Hemorrhagic Stroke
Treatment can begin with drugs being given to reduce the pressure in the brain, overall blood pressure, prevent seizures and prevent sudden constrictions of blood vessels. If the patient is taking anti-coagulant or anti-platelet medication like Warfarin or Clopidogrel, they can be given drugs or blood transfusions to counter the medication's effects.
Stroke is Completely Treatable:
If you have suffered a stroke then Physiotherapy can play a very important role in your complete recovery; both during your hospital stay and after you leave.
Physiotherapists are also involved in preventing stroke and stroke recurrence, and improving the nation’s health by promoting healthy active lifestyles. Within a multidisciplinary team, physiotherapists rehabilitate patients from acute care to the home setting, and provide long-term community support.
Your Physio Dr's role will be to help return as much normal function as possible so you can continue to do the things you enjoy in life.
Rehabilitation will be influenced by the severity of your stroke and the resulting problems.
It may include:
Helping you relearn how to perform basic movements, such as getting out of bed and walking.
Specific exercises to aid in your recovery by strengthening weak muscles
Improving your balance and teaching you new ways to complete tasks.
Teaching you how to use any equipment that may be needed to help keep you safe.
Prevension of Stroke:
1. Lower Blood Pressure
Reduce the salt in your diet to no more than 1,500 milligrams a day (about a half teaspoon).
Avoid high-cholesterol foods, such as burgers, cheese, and ice cream.
2. Lose Weight
Keep your body mass index (BMI) at 25 or less.
3. Exercise More.
Exercise at a moderate intensity at least five days a week.
4. Avoid Alcohol and Smoking .
5. Treat Diabetes.
Keep your blood sugar under control.
6. Avoid Stress and Tension
(Meditation, Yoga, Breathing Exercise,Mind Rexalation)