A stroke occurs due to ruptured or blocked blood vessels that stop the oxygenated supply of blood to various areas of the brain. Without oxygen, the brain cells and tissue get damaged, losing the ability to control various functions of the body.
Signs Of Stroke
Signs of stroke are visible in the body parts that are controlled by the damaged brain areas. It is necessary to recognize the signs and symptoms to assure that the person gets the care and required treatment for quick recovery. Some of the symptoms and signs of stroke are:
- Paralysis on one side of the body
- Slurred speech
- Loss of balance while walking
- Severe persistent headache
- Dizziness
- Blackened or blurred vision
- Numbness in arms, legs, and face
A person with stroke needs medical attention. Prompt treatment can avoid long term disability that can lead to death.
The three main types of strokes are an ischemic stroke, transient ischemic attack (TIA), and haemorrhagic stroke. They are further sub-divided into embolic stroke, thrombotic stroke, intracerebral stroke, and subarachnoid stroke.
Diagnosis
MRI and CT scan help to determine which areas of the brain tissues have been damaged. They provide a detailed picture of the brain and to detect any bleeding or damage.
Treatment
After proper diagnosis, prompt treatment is vital to help the person recover from stroke.
Cell treatment is the most sought after solution to repair damaged tissue and blood vessels that provide fresh blood supply to the brain. It helps in restoring the lost and paused functions of the brain.
The autologous mesenchymal stem cells, derived from the patient’s own bone marrow, have the potential to multiply and differentiate into any cell type. When these stem cells are infused into the cerebrospinal fluid of a person with stroke, they travel to the brain, anchor into the damaged tissues and adopt their properties. They replace the dead cells with new cells to boost the brain’s functionalities.
Post cell therapy, a person with stroke makes an almost complete recovery. At Neurogen hospital, the team provides effective physical therapy to help him/her regain some of their affected and lost movements.
Physical Therapy
People with stroke often have a paralytic attack on one side of their body. This leads to a loss of function in one arm and one leg. A physical therapist works with stroke patients to keep their muscles toned up and flexible. This helps in regaining balance, limb coordination, gait, and posture.
For walking effortlessly and without support, a physical therapist identifies the damage in the body. They work on standing posture (with support) until the person is confident enough to take a few steps. He/she helps the patient with pre-walking exercises such as parallel bar, treadmills, balance and wobble boards, etc., to enhance muscle strength. Physical therapist prescribes exercises as specific movement strategies to help the person’s body transform and grow in a positive way.
Some of the exercises that help a person with stroke to move better include:
- Exercises to improve strength
- Exercises for balance
- Exercises to improve functional mobility
- Exercises for more flexibility
- Exercises for diminishing vertigo and dizziness
Thus, physical therapists help people with stroke to learn exercises and movement strategies to move better and feel better.
