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A
stroke is a blockage in blood flow to a part of
the brain. A stroke is also called a
"cerebrovascular accident" or a "brain attack".
Symptoms of stroke can include weakness or
paralysis, loss of feeling, disturbance of
vision, blindness in one eye, problems with
speaking, problems with swallowing, loss of
balance, severe headache, or fainting. Because
a stroke can lead to the loss of use of the
part of the brain that is affected, it should
be treated with the same urgency as a heart
attack and the person experiencing the symptoms
should obtain medical help
immediately.
These are some of
the changes that may occur following
a stroke:
Rehabilitation Following A
Stroke
Most
stroke survivors can benefit from some level of
rehabilitation. The goal of rehabilitation
following a stroke is to help the stroke
survivor achieve the best possible recovery and
maximize function. Patients relearn skills they
had before the stroke, such as walking and
speaking, and also learn new ways to do things
that can no longer be done the old
way.
The
rehabilitation process often begins while the
patient is still in the acute care hospital
and, for most patients, continues after the
patient goes home. Most stroke patients who
have moderate to severe deficits will benefit
from therapy services in an acute inpatient
rehabilitation hospital or unit.
Rehabilitation in this setting is
generally very intensive, requiring patients to
participate in many different types of therapy
for several hours each day. Other settings in
which rehabilitation can be provided include
nursing homes, outpatient therapy centers and
the home.
Rehabilitation services can be provided by
any of a number of
professionals:
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Physiatrists, physicians who
specialize in physical medicine and
rehabilitation, will often lead the
team.
-
Rehabilitation nurses assist
with nursing issues such as skin care,
bowel and bladder care and
education.
-
Physical therapists evaluate
and treat problems such as moving,
balance, and coordination. They provide
training and exercises to improve
mobility.
-
Occupational therapists
assist stroke survivors in performing
activities they could do before the
stroke such as eating, bathing,
dressing, writing or cooking. The old
ways of performing tasks are not always
possible, so the occupational therapist
teaches patients new
techniques.
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Speech therapists help
patients improve their communication
skills following a stroke and can also
assist with swallowing
problems.
-
Social workers assist
patients in developing a plan for
returning home, can assist with
insurance problems and in obtaining
community resources.
-
Psychologists help patients
deal with the mental and emotional
problems that follow a
stroke.
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Recreation therapists can
help people to return to the activities
they enjoyed before the stroke, such as
playing cards, gardening, sports,
crafts, or community
activities.
Rehabilitation offers
stroke survivors a chance to regain function
lost as a result of a stroke.
Here are some tips for lowering your risk
for stroke:
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Have your blood pressure
checked regularly. If it is in the high
range, work with your doctor to lower
it to a normal level. Take blood
pressure medication as the doctor
directs.
-
If you are diabetic, be sure
your blood sugar is under
control.
-
Don't smoke. Smoking speeds
up the hardening of the
arteries.
-
Lower your cholesterol by
reducing fats and high cholestrol
foods.
-
Exercise regularly; but check
with your doctor first.
-
Drink alcoholic beverages in
moderation.
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Avoid street
drugs.
Advice For Caregivers Of Stroke
Survivors
Stroke
can be a devastating illness that affects not
only the patient but also a patient's family
and friends. Caregivers often go through stages
in learning to cope with the fact that their
loved one has suffered a stroke and to deal
with the responsibilities of caregiving. These
stages usually begin with feelings of alarm,
such as fear, anger and resentment. Caregivers
then move into feelings of denial, exhaustion,
acceptance, and finally
mobilization.
When
caregivers do become ready to mobilize, they
will find that resources are available to
assist them. Stroke Support Groups are
available and bring stroke survivors and
caregivers together. Through support groups
individuals can receive information, counseling
and support. To obtain a list of stroke support
groups in your area visit the American Heart
Association WebPage at
http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=10000028 or
call their toll free number at
1-800-242-8721.
Your
county's Area Agency on Aging may be able to
help you obtain services such as home health
aides, Meals on Wheels, transportation
services, limited home modifications, and
counseling for caregivers.
Specialized transportation services
for the disabled are available through
Paratransit. Your local Health and Human
Services Agency can provide you with the
telephone number of the regional service
provider. These and other helpful telephone
numbers can be found in the Guide to Human
Services section of your local White and Yellow
Pages.
Thanks to the clinicians
and supervisors of the MossRehab
Stroke Center
for providing this information.
Stroke Center leaders: Peggy Seminara
and Dr. Arthur Gershkoff
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