This is a primer on patient who has suffered stroke (brain stroke or CVA) and is created by ReLiva Physiotherapy - a leading physiotherapy organisation with clinics in Mumbai, Thane, Navi Mumbai and Pune. The document explains about different stroke, its treatment and stroke rehabilitation program.

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Also referred as “ Brain Attacks” or CVA ( Cerebro Vascular Accident); Stroke is loss of brain function due to a disturbance in
thebloodsupplytothebrain.
This disturbance is caused by either Ischemia (lack of blood flow) or Haemorrhage ( rupture of blood vessels). Ischemia can
becausedbecauseofthrombosis(bloodclot)blockingtheflowofbloodtobrainandaccountsto80%ofstrokecases.
If you just experienced a stroke, you are most likely scared and confused. Some of the
questionsyouhavemayinclude:“WhydidIhaveastroke?”;“Whatkindoftreatmentis
availableforstroke?”;and“WhatkindofrehabilitationdoIneed?”.
Your experiences will vary depending on where in your brain the stroke occurred and
the type of stroke. Learn more about stroke, risks, types of treatment and
rehabilitation,andrecoverytechniquesforyourspecificpost-strokechallenges.
Why did I get Stroke?
Stroke and Ischemic heart disease together form the most lethal disease
in India, causing long lasting brain damage and debilitating disabilities
amongthosewhosurvive
Just experienced STROKE?
What is Stroke?
A stroke occurs when the blood
supply to part of your brain is
interrupted, depriving brain tissue of
oxygen and food. Within minutes,
brain cells begin to die. There are
many factors that may contribute to
havingastroke.
Stroke is preventable with
manageable risk factors such as
Hypertension, Diabetes, Cigarette
S m o k i n g , H i g h A l c o h o l
Consumption, Sedentary lifestyle,
Obesityandhighcholesterol.
But there are certain non-modifiable
risk factors such as Aging, Gender
(males more affected than females)
andCardiacdisease.
The cause of some strokes is never
known.Thegoodnewsisthatstrokes
canbetreatedandprevented.
RISK FACTORS THAT
CANCAUSESTROKE

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Early recovery and rehabilitation can improve functions and sometimes
result into remarkable recoveries
Stroke contd...
How do I know : Signs & Symptoms
Symptoms usually appear suddenly, over seconds to minutes and symptoms depending upon the area of the brain affected.
Followingaresomeofthemainsymptoms:
Hemiplegia(paralysisofonesideofthebodyincludingface)
NumbnessandLossofsensationsintheaffectedsideofthebody
Alteredsmell,taste,hearingorvision,difficultyinswallowingandspeech
Balanceproblems,alteredwalkingpatternandactivityofdailylivingsuchaseating,dressing,mobilityetc.getaffected
Treatment
Immediatetreatmentcanhelpminimizeeffectsofstrokeandimproverecoveryoutcomes.
Sincestrokeisamedicalemergency,rushtheaffectedpersontoamedicalfacility.
ThefirstlineoftreatmentisThrombolysis(breakingtheclotdown)orThrombectomy(removaloftheclotbysurgery).
Stroke affects everybody differently. Many stroke survivors continue to improve over a long time, sometimes over a number of
years.Recoveryfromstrokeinvolvesmakingchangesinthephysical,socialand,emotionalaspectsofyourlife.
Afterthehospitaldischarge,asustainedRehabilitationisrequiredtoresumelostbodyfunctions.
Rehabilitationisaboutgettingbacktonormallifeandlivingasindependentalifeaspossible.Itinvolvestakinganactiveapproach
to ensure that your life goes on. This can mean learning new skills or relearning old ones. It may involve adapting to new
limitations and post-stroke conditions. Or it can mean finding new social, emotional, and practical support to live your best life
post-stroke.
Withgoodcareandrehabilitation,thereislifeafterstroke.

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Stroke contd...
STROKE Rehabilitation Programme
It is a process to help the stroke affected people to return back to normal life as much as possible by regaining & relearning the
skills of everyday living. Physiotherapy, Occupational therapy and Speech therapy - together form the cornerstones of the
Rehabilitationprocessforsuchpeople.
Stroke Rehabilitation should be started as quickly as possible and can last anywhere from few months to over a year. Early
recovery and rehabilitation can improve functions and sometimes result into remarkable recoveries for someone who
suffered a stroke. Maximum return of function can be achieved/seen in the very first few months after the stroke incidence, so
itisadvisable-
HowcanPhysiotherapyhelpinStrokeRehabilitation?
“SoonertheBetter”
This article is purely for general information. Please contact your healthcare expert for specialised medical care. Please go through our Disclaimer and Privacy policy at http://reliva.in/disclaimer.php
Physiotherapist focuses on educating the patient and family members about the condition, improving the joint range and
strengthbyperformingexercises&relearningfunctionaltaskssuchasbedmobility,transfers,walkingetc.
Physiotherapist also works with patient to improve awareness and use of hemiplegic side with use of various neurological
methodssuchasNDT/BOBATH.
Advanced Physiotherapy setups like those of ReLivaTM also offer novel non-invasive rehabilitation methods like Mirror
therapy/MotorImageryetc.
StrokealsoreducesgeneralfitnessthusaCardiorespiratory Trainingunderthesupervisionofatrainedphysiotherapistcan
improvethewalkingspeed,tolerance&independenceduringwalking.
Recovery of lost Function is possible after Stroke, with sustained Physiotherapy treatment