About stroke (CVA), its complications for the individual, and the decisive role of physiotherapy on it.
Time to read : 5 minutes
Cerebral Vascular Accident (CVA) occurs as a result of impaired blood and oxygen supply to part of the brain cells. This disorder usually occurs for three reasons, which can cause three types of strokes, including:
1. Transient Ischemic Attack: Transient ischemic attack (TIA) occurs following a temporary cessation of blood flow to the brain, and its symptoms remain for a limited time and disappear.
2. Ischemic Stroke: Occurs when a blood clot or mass blocks the blood vessels in the brain, hence it is also called an obstructive stroke. Almost 87% of all strokes are ischemic!
Hemorrhagic Stroke: This type of stroke occurs following a ruptured cerebral artery.
Following a stroke, the severity of the disease varies depending on the area affected and the extent of the damage. In most cases, unilateral paralysis of the body, sensory disturbances of limbs, speech disorders, perceptual disorders, and emotional disorders occur following a stroke.
Typically, physiotherapy will begin between 24 and 48 hours after a stroke and following the patient"s general condition.
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It should be noted that the on-time start of physiotherapy after a stroke, the more likely you are to regain lost abilities, skills, and movements.
The physiotherapist will set up a specific "rehabilitation program" for the patient by examining the patient"s general condition, gait or movement, range of motion of the joints, the examination of limitations and neurological disorders, and examination of the patient"s sensory status. This program includes:
1. Specialized exercises to improve the patient"s movement, which include exercises related to the range of motion, strengthening exercises to improve muscle strength, and coordination exercises and balance of the patient.
2. Appropriate stretching exercises to prevent shortness and muscle stiffness.
3. Special exercises to improve the patient"s walking, which include careful examination of gait disorders, special exercises to maintain balance while walking, to go up and downstairs, to restore the correct gait pattern, and training for proper using a cane or walker in the early stages of a stroke.
4. Checking the anatomical condition of the patient and consulting and prescribing assistive devices if needed, which include: cane, splint, Orthosis, walker, vibration, etc.
5. Teaching the patient how to move properly and how to arrange the patient"s room and settings related to the patient"s bed and sleeping place.
6. Establish a regular daily exercise program and train it with the patient to accompany the treatment process.
7. The use of electrotherapy to regenerate inactive nerve pathways and regenerate and strengthen muscle tissue.
8. Use of complementary techniques such as dry needling technique to improve muscle spasms, taping technique to limit-correct or facilitate joint movements, use of required manual therapy techniques To improve the muscular condition of the patient and etc.
