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A stroke is a situation in which blood circulation to the brain is suddenly impaired. It can arise in two ways. This is because a stroke can be caused by a blockage of the blood supply to the brain or by the occurrence of blood to the brain. This is known as an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke. In both cases, the consequence of suffering from this ailment may be an acquired disability. Thus, rehabilitation after a stroke often turns out to be a necessity. What are the symptoms of a stroke? How is rehabilitation after a stroke?
What causes a stroke?
The risk of stroke increases after the age of 60. It is associated with the build-up of atherosclerotic plaques and reduced elasticity of the blood vessel walls. In addition, men are more likely to experience strokes. Human race is also important – the risk is higher in dark-skinned people.
In addition, the occurrence of a stroke may also be genetically determined and by acquired and congenital heart defects, such as atrial fibrillation, valve defects, and impaired proper blood clotting. However, there are factors through which you wish we predispose our body to a stroke. We are talking about the increasingly common diseases of civilization, e.g. obesity, type 2 diabetes, atherosclerosis or gout.
What are the first symptoms of a stroke?
The symptoms of a stroke vary slightly depending on the type of condition. Ischemic stroke, during which the inflow of blood to the brain is inhibited, is the most common type, accounting for up to 90 percent. all cases. A very characteristic symptom is paralysis of one part of the body, especially the limbs and face. It is manifested by sudden aphasia, i.e. a speech disorder and difficulty in the correct articulation of words spoken by the patient, paresis of the muscles in the face and a characteristic one-sided drop of the corner of the mouth, as well as impairment of precise limb movements.
- Also read: Childhood stroke
A person affected by a stroke is often unable to move because the muscles on one side of the body become weak. Consciousness is also disturbed in stroke. However, 10 percent. of patients suffering from stroke is its hemorrhagic variant. There is more frequent here intracerebral hemorrhage and less common – subarachnoid hemorrhage. A hemorrhagic stroke usually results from the rupture of a brain aneurysm. Very often this happens after physical exertion. A hemorrhagic stroke is characterized by severe headache and vomiting. A sick person usually loses consciousness within a few moments. As in the case of an ischemic stroke, also in the case of a haemorrhagic stroke, the corner of the mouth drops off unilaterally. It is very important to get medical help quickly.
Stroke rehabilitation is extremely important
Rehabilitation after a stroke is an extremely important element due to the many consequences resulting from this type of brain dysfunction. It can result in permanent paralysis of one half of the body, impaired proper functioning of the limbs, motor incoherence, difficulties in maintaining balance, impaired memory functions or difficulties in the correct articulation and understanding of words. It is therefore important that stroke rehabilitation is undertaken promptly.
Post-stroke rehabilitation – how long does it take?
We can highlight the appropriate stages of rehabilitation after a stroke: functional prophylaxis lasting up to 21 days, which includes preparing the musculoskeletal system to regain its proper functioning. It covers the prevention of pressure ulcers or bacterial infections affecting the lungs and urinary tract.
The duration of rehabilitation after a stroke depends on many factors. These include the speed of assistance to the patient, correct diagnosis of the patient and appropriate hospitalization.
The next stage is functional rehabilitation, which may last up to two years. It includes individual therapy tailored to the patient’s needs, e.g. physiotherapy. The last stage of rehabilitation after a stroke is the so-called environmental rehabilitationwhich may take up to several years.
Rehabilitation after stroke – physical and cognitive exercise
Important elements in rehabilitation after a stroke are exercise and keeping fit. You should gradually increase the range of motion, starting with simple activities, such as alternating bending and straightening the limbs or trying to walk a few meters. Cognitive exercises include therapy with a speech therapist, trying to write, and solving crosswords.
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