Importance Of Early Detection And Rehabilitation On Stroke

A stroke is a medical emergency that happens when blood flow to the brain is interrupted or diminished, which results in the death of cells in the brain.

With stroke accounting for 11.13% of all deaths, it is the second greatest cause of mortality and a significant contributor to lifelong disability. Its prevalence amounts to 0.2% of the population annually, with one in six ischemic stroke victims dying within the first month and nearly half of survivors being dependent on others due to disability.

KNOWING THE WARNING SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS IS ESSENTIAL FOR EARLY STROKE DETECTION.

1. Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body, in the face, arm, or leg.

2. Sudden difficulty understanding, speaking, or hearing speech.

3. Sudden vision problems in either one or both eyes.

4. Abrupt difficulty walking, lightheadedness, unsteadiness, or lack of coordination.

5. An unexpectedly bad headache with no apparent explanation.

REHABILITATION

The recovery of patients' independence is greatly aided by rehabilitation.

A FEW CRUCIAL COMPONENTS OF STROKE REHABILITATION ARE LISTED BELOW:

• PHYSIOTHERAPY: Strength, balance, and mobility are all improved by physiotherapy for patients. It could involve workouts to regain coordination and muscle strength.
• OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY: Through occupational therapy, their capacity to carry out daily activities will be improved. Assessment, treatment, adaptive approaches, assistive technology, and environmental adaptations are some of the strategies employed by occupational therapists.
• SPEECH THERAPY: Speech therapists help patients restore their ability to communicate and engage in secure eating and drinking.
• DRUGS AND PREVENTION: Managing underlying risk factors including diabetes and high blood pressure through medication and dietary changes is a common component of rehabilitation.
• HOME ALTERATIONS: Home adjustments could be required to offer a secure and accessible living space, depending on the stroke's severity.
• PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSISTANCE: When dealing with emotional and psychological difficulties, counseling and support groups are crucial.

At ASPIRE In order to manage and treat strokes, physical therapy is a key component that we use.

Acute stage

Avoid being unaware of the hemiplegic aspect.

Reduce the propensity for synergy to form in the chronic stage.

Prevention of any joint stiffness or limitation.

Prevention of complications from immobility, such as chest complications, muscle and bone reconditioning, etc.

Psychological counseling.

POSITIONING

In order to slow the progression of the spasticity and promote quicker recovery in the later phases, the patient must be positioned properly.

Chest physiotherapy

To maintain compliance and avoid any possibilities of secretion accumulation, chest physical therapy in the form of Inspiratory breathing exercises should be provided.

OROPHARYNGEAL RETRAINING

The patient has trouble swallowing, but this can be helped by giving them the right stance and teaching them good head control. Some of the several techniques used to help with swallowing include stroking over the neck region, massaging ice on the tongue, and encouraging lip closure.

MOBILIZATION AND STRETCHING

As the muscles in the biarticular joints are prone to becoming tight, mobilization should be provided during the flaccid stage in the form of modest passive exercise and stretching.

WEIGHT BEARING ACTIVITIES

Exercises involving weight bearing are essential to maintain the absorption of calcium into the bones and to encourage the development of muscle tone.

CORE STABILITY

Balance is greatly influenced by the core muscles. Postural stability can be enhanced by abdominal and lower back muscle strengthening workouts like bridging on vestibular ball.

EXERCISES FOR STANDING AND WALKING

Simple exercises like tandem standing, heel-toe walking, and one-legged standing can help with balance and coordination.

FUNCTIONAL TRAINING

Include practical exercises in your balance training. To make the training more applicable to daily life, practice tasks like getting in and out of a chair, climbing stairs, or reaching for objects.

COUNSELING

The therapist should attempt to encourage the patient because they are typically despondent. The therapist should be extremely upbeat and self-assured, as this will support the patient in maintaining a positive outlook.

By Dr.Ayush Ranjan (Physiotherapist)