Stroke Demystified
What is a stroke?
A stroke is a type of cardiovascular disease. Arteries leading to or within the brain are compromised, causing oxygen deprivation and subsequent brain cell death.
What are the types of stroke?
The two major types of stroke are ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic strokes occur when blood clots block arteries and cut off blood flow to or within the brain. Hemorrhagic strokes occur when blood vessels break and cause bleeding within the brain.
What are the symptoms of stroke?
Symptoms of stroke are usually of sudden onset and can include any of the following:
- Severe headache
- Weakness or numbness in the face, arm, or leg especially on one side of the body
- Confusion, loss of the ability to speak or understand words
- Dizziness, loss of balance, or an inability to walk
*** Call 911 immediately if you or a loved one is experiencing any of the above symptoms
Common Myths of Stroke...
- Stroke cannot be treated - Stroke can, and should, be treated as an emergency. Call 911 if you recognize any of the symptoms described.
- Stroke is unpreventable - Risk factors for stroke are both controllable and uncontrollable. Controllable risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and obesity. Uncontrollable risk factors include age and ethnicity.
- Stroke only affects older individuals - Stroke affects individuals of all ages, from birth to the elderly.
- Recovery takes place for only a few months following stroke - This is not true!! Evidence has shown that the majority of spontaneous recovery occurs within the first several months following stroke however by participating in a rehabilitation program individuals with stroke can make improvements in their motor recovery and function throughout their lives. Research has begun to show us the amazing capacity of the central nervous system (CNS) to reorganize its behavior given adequate stimuli. Physical therapy is a proven method to tap into the ability of the CNS to reorganize and produce functional changes for individuals following stroke.
Q & A: Physical Therapy for Individuals with Stroke
Q: What goals do PT's work towards for individuals with stroke?
A: The physical therapist works together with the patient in order to establish physical therapy goals. Activities commonly worked on in rehabilitation include improving the ability to get in and out of bed, transfering on and off of chairs, learning how to use a wheelchair, increasing balance, and improving the ability to walk.
Q: What types of activities are done in physical therapy?
A: A variety of activities are performed in physical therapy aimed at improving flexibility, strength, balance, and functional mobility. Examples of physical therapy techniques performed at Kern & Associates Physical Therapy include:
- Body-Weight Supported Treadmill Training (BWSTT)
- Constraint-Induced Therapy
- Progressive Resistive Exercises
- Neuro-Developmental Treatment
- Aquatic Therap
- Orthotic and Gait Training
Q: I've heard that Body-Weight Supported Treadmill Training is a new "hot" topic in physical therapy. Can you tell me more about it?
A: BWSTT is becoming more and more popular in physical therapy, especially for patients with neurological conditions. Not only has BWSTT been proven to improve walking capabilities for people with strokes, it can also be advantageous for individuals with brain injury, spinal cord injury, and Parkinson's Disease. The BWSTT system consists of a harness attached to an overhead machine that allows a percentage of an individual's body weight to be lifted. The support of the harness often reduces the patients fear associated with falling down. The reduction in body weight allows patients the ability to walk with less demand placed on the affected leg. With intermittent facilitation provided by the physical therapist, more normal gait mechanics can be produced and faster walking speeds achieved.
Q: Is pool therapy helpful for patients with stroke?
A: Pool, or aquatic rehabilitation is helpful for patients with stroke and other neurological conditions. Aquatic rehabilitation offers benefits of weight relief and ease of movement. For some patients, strengthening and functional training can take place in the pool prior to having participation in these same treatments over land. Exercising and walking in a pool allows patients to work their limbs by increasing range of motion, thus decreasing stiffness and pain. There are several techniques utilized in aquatic therapy. The Bad Ragaz Ring Method increases flexibility and strength, emphasizing the ability to contract and relax muscles efficiently. The Task-Type Training Approach encourages the patients to actively problem solve through their movement difficulties, focusing on treatment in functional positions. Aquatic therapy is an excellent option for improving strength, balance, and walking capability for individuals following stroke.