Stroke: General Information, Articles

Induced restriction therapy has recently been actively explored and used as it effectiveness has proved itself immensely. Even though this therapy has shown to be the most beneficial in treatment of motor disorders, studies have shown that this method can be successfully used when treating other consequences of a stroke, such as, for example, aphasia.

Exercises where the patient needs to overcome some obstacle is not part of the standard rehabilitation programs for patients after a stroke. Previously it had been believed that the load on weakened muscles can lead to an increase in spasticity. Later on this issue has been studied in more detail, and it turned out that there is no evidence to support the previous statement. On the contrary, the results given by different physiotherapists suggest that workload exercises on certain groups of weakened muscles significantly increase their strength and do not lead to an increase in spasticity.

The use of a combined ultrasound method for asymptomatic carotid artery stenosis will allow to detect the presence of plaques and blood clots that contribute to the development of a stroke over a period of time.

Speech involves not only the knowledge of words, but also the ability to recognize them and to make up sentences. The left hemisphere of the brain is mostly responsible for all of those functions. The consequence of a stroke or head injury may be a complete / partial loss of speech function. Aphasia is a deterioration in the ability to use words to express thoughts. There are different types of aphasia (the classification is given below).

The consequences of a stroke drastically affect not only the patient, but also the members of his/her family. Everyone has to overcome motor, sensory and speech dysfunction. Loss of ability to communicate (dysarthria, apraxia) and language impairment (aphasia) significantly restrict the communication skills of the patient. As studies show, that communication is the key to successful rehabilitation after a stroke. That`s why many experts insist that patients immediately start restoration of speech function.

Studies have shown that the formation of calcified plaques in arteries outside the brain can lead to an increased risk of a stroke.

Scientists have proven that patients who underwent aggressive drug therapy are more likely to survive than those who had a combined stenting method.

Stroke is a serious disease in which cerebral circulation is damaged. Like all organs, the brain needs oxygen and nutrients coming through the blood. With limited access or complete absence of these nutrients brain cells begin to die, which leads to development of various diseases, that can in some cases be fatal. Symptoms vary depending on the type of a stroke. These include perturbed consciousness, dizziness, severe headaches that can be accompanied by nausea and vomiting, weakness in the hands or feet, up until paralysis. In case of stroke, patients need to receive urgent medical care, as well as to begin timely rehabilitation. The sooner the treatment is started, the less irreversible the complications are. It is important to follow preventative stroke measures to avoid sudden focal or cerebral neurological symptoms. Healthy diet, regular physical activity, quitting bad habits will significantly reduce the risk of stroke development.

Scientists have proven that depression, that can also lead to cancer, diabetes and heart disease, can be another risk factor of a stroke.

Rehabilitation helps stroke patient to relearn skills that were lost due to brain damage. For example, these skills may include coordination of movements or the phased implementation of complex actions. Also, rehabilitation teaches patients new ways to solve different problems in order overcome residual effects of stroke. Patients may need to learn how to bathe or dress using only one hand or how to effectively communicate when they have speech disorders.