Stroke and Rehabilitation

A stroke is caused when the brain develops a rapid loss of brain functions due to irregular blood supply to the brain. This can cause partial and permanent damage to the brain. This damage causes immobilization of some body parts depending on the brain area damaged. Stroke is the second largest cause of death in the United States of America and Europe. After required medical procedures are performed on the patient in the hospital, he must be enrolled into rehabilitation in the next 48 hours after discharge. It is said that the first twelve weeks of the patient in the hospital are the most crucial. This is the time when he recovers the most and absorbs the treatment the best. Thus stroke and rehabilitation go hand in hand.

In stroke rehabilitation, various techniques and methods of curing a patient are incorporated. Physical therapy, occupational therapy, hydro or aquatic therapy, speech language therapy etc. are various techniques used in rehabilitation of a stroke.

1. Physical Therapy

   Physical therapy is a technique of rehabilitation in which a trained physiotherapist assigns certain exercises to a patient to help him get better. These exercises are prescribed after much analysis and diagnosis and study of the patient. It is devoid of side effects and is quite an effective cure to a stroke. It has long lasting effects as well.

2. Hydrotherapy

   In this therapy, the patient is asked to move his limbs inside water in a specific way. The buoyancy and force of the water apply perfect pressure on the limbs. This promotes muscle strengthening, helps in maneuvering limbs and increases flexibility.

3. Intervention

   In this rehabilitation technique, the unaffected limb of the patient is tied up and he is asked to perform his daily activities with his affected limb. This helps stimulate the brain cells and repair partial damage to the brain. This can help the patient in being able to maneuver his arm in a better way.

Other techniques in rehabilitation like injections, surgery, medications etc. may have side effects. Also, they do not guarantee a cure and their effect depends on the extent of response shown by the patient.

A few renowned centers for stroke and rehabilitation include:

1. Memorial Care Health System

   This stroke rehabilitation center primarily deals with neurological injuries and hence is an excellent rehabilitation center for stroke patients. It is equipped by a highly trained staff and health care professionals.

2. Pain and Stroke Rehab Center

   This rehabilitation center provides excellent physical therapy and gives special emphasis to stroke rehabilitation. Their main aim is the utmost care of patients and their effective cure.

Thus stroke and rehabilitation are supplementary to each other. After a stroke, it is a necessity for a patient to go into rehabilitation in order to learn how to lead a normal life despite the physical disability inherited after a stroke. Though the results are not guaranteed, after medical procedures, rehabilitation is the best cure for stroke victims and patients.