Stroke rehabilitation is a serious issue. In this page we will investigate symptoms, causes, effects, and treatment options for stroke sufferers. If you or someone you know has had a stroke, we urge you to seek out stroke rehab centers in your area to find a rehabilitation center near you. Clinics, programs, and treatment options are readily available in your area.
Stroke Overview and Guide
Stroke is a condition that occurs as a result of the blood supply to the brain being interrupted or reduced to the point that the brain tissue is deprived of oxygen and food. Brain cells die within minutes and every second that the blood supply is cut off is more detrimental for the individual. Stroke is a serious medical emergency that if left untreated or not treated promptly may result in serious brain damage or even death.
Strokes can most often be prevented and they are treatable. Today fewer and fewer people actually die from stroke but the condition is still very serious. Fortunately, people do have control over the most serious risk factors associated with stroke which are high blood pressure, smoking and high cholesterol.
Symptoms of a Stroke
The most common symptoms of a stroke include trouble walking, trouble speaking and paralysis or numbness on one side of the face or body. It is important to recognize the symptoms of a stroke and to note when symptoms began in order to properly alert medical staff so that they can determine the best possible treatment outline for the patient.
During a stroke an individual may find it difficult to walk and they may even stumble, lose balance or actually fall down and be unable to get back up. Paralysis or numbness on one side of the body is also a common symptom of stroke. Weakness or complete numbness on the left or right side of the body may be present. A good way to determine if one side of the body is affected is to hold both arms above the head and if one arm falls then there is a good chance that the individual is suffering a stroke.
During a stroke, an individual may have difficulty understanding things or they may have trouble talking. The individual may feel confused or they may slur their words when they try to talk. It may also be difficult to see in out of one eye or vision in both eyes may be blurred or blackened. Headache may also be present and may result in vomiting, dizziness, and an altered sense of consciousness.
Causes of Stroke
Stroke is caused by a disruption of the flow of blood through the brain which results in damage to the brain tissue. The two most common types of stroke include ischemic stroke and hemorrhagic stroke. Ischemic stroke is caused by a blockage in the arteries while hemorrhagic stroke is caused by a a bursting or leaking blood vessel.
The majority of strokes are ischemic strokes, making up nearly 90% of all strokes that occur. These strokes occur as a result of build up or blockage that forms in the arteries and causes narrowing which reduces or completely blocks the flow of blood to the brain. The lack of blood flow deprives the brain of oxygen and brain cells begin to die resulting in permanent damage. There are two types of ischmic stroke which include thrombotic stroke and embolic stroke.
Hemorrhagic stroke occurs as a result of bleeding of bleeding in the brain which occurs when a blood vessel leaks or ruptures. Brain hemorrhages result from various different conditions such as high blood pressure or weak spots in the blood vessel walls that are otherwise known as aneurysms. There are two different types of hemorrhagic stroke which include intracerebral hemorrhage and subarachnoid hemorrhage.
Stroke Treatments
Emergency treatment is required if the stroke is ischemic and is due to the blocking of an artery or if the stroke is the result of a hemorrhagic stroke that involves bleeding of the brain. Medication and therapy may be used to bust or break clots that cause stroke and can restore the flow of blood to the brain. Fast treatment for stroke assures a better chance of survival with limited brain damage or complications.
People who suffer from a stroke may need additional treatment and long term care in order to regain function and independence. Physical therapy may be needed to help the individual to gain range of motion and to restore muscle function following a stroke. For some people, the negative side effects of stroke may be so severe that walking or talking again is very difficult.
Speech therapy may be used to help an individual regain control of function in the mouth and learn how to talk again. Speech therapy may also be required for stroke victims who have suffered severe paralysis of the face in order to help them regain the ability to voice emotions and to express themselves.
Occupational therapy is also offered for stroke victims to help restore independence. An occupational therapist may help a stroke victim to perform daily tasks such as cooking, cleaning or getting dressed on their own. Strokes can make it difficult for people to function without the help of a loved one or caregiver.
Stroke rehab centers have a number of specialists including physical therapists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists that can work together to provide treatment and care for people who have had a stroke. Stroke rehabilitation may take a very long time and can be a difficult and painful process but for many the results are very beneficial. Stroke victims can regain function and a sense of independence with the help of the treatment and care that is provided by specialists at stroke rehab centers.
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