Stroke Rehabilitation- Physical Medicine And Rehabilitation

Stroke also known as cerebrovascular accident is a medical emergency which happens when blood flow to the brain is impaired. Ischemic stroke is the more common kind of stroke which is caused when a blood clot blocks a blood vessel in the brain. The second type of stroke is called as hemorrhagic stroke is caused when a blood vessel breaks and bleeds into the brain. Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg, loss of balance, dizziness are some of the symptoms associated with stroke.

Stroke rehabilitation is an important component of the recovery program for patients who have suffered a stroke. It helps patients regain independence and improve the quality of their life. The process of stroke rehabilitation depends on the severity of the symptoms. It starts in the hospital and continues at the patient’s home or the local clinic.

Medical Specialty – Neurologists (doctors who have specialized in treating the disorders of the brain) are the main doctors involved in developing the treatment plan for stroke patients. Physiotherapists, psychologists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists and dieticians may also be involved in stroke rehabilitation.

What does stroke rehabilitation consist of?

1. Physical activities like motor – skill exercises to improve muscle strength and coordination.  Mobility training may also be imparted to help patients use mobility aids such as walker, canes or wheelchair. Patients may be taught certain exercises to ease muscle tension and help them regain their range of motion.
2. Cognitive and emotional activities are also a part of stroke rehabilitation. Lost cognitive activities such as memory, social-skills are taught to the patient. Patients may also undergo speech therapy and psychological evaluation and treatment.

Start and duration of stroke rehabilitation

It starts in the hospital and continues at the patient’s home or the local clinic. Generally, it is started 24-48 hours after the patient suffers from a stroke. Duration of the stroke rehabilitation depends upon the severity of the patient’s symptoms. Most patients need stroke-rehabilitation for a long duration which may continue for years after the stroke.

Factors affecting outcome of stroke rehabilitation-

1. Severity of the stroke
2. Motivation and mood of the patient
3. Early start of stroke rehabilitation and skill of the stroke rehabilitation team is also very important
4. Support of friends and family

References

• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/stroke/in-depth/stroke-rehabilitation/art-20045172
• https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stroke/recovery/
• https://medlineplus.gov/stroke.htm

Disclaimer: Please note that Mya Care does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The information provided is not intended to replace the care or advice of a qualified health care professional. The views expressed are personal views of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinion of Mya Care. Always consult your doctor for all diagnoses, treatments, and cures for any diseases or conditions, as well as before changing your health care regimen. Do not reproduce, copy, reformat, publish, distribute, upload, post, transmit, transfer in any manner or sell any of the materials on this page without the prior written permission from myacare.com.