What is stroke?

A stroke is a "brain attack". It can happen to anyone at any time. It occurs when blood flow to an area of brain is cut off. When this happens, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and begin to die. When brain cells die during a stroke, abilities controlled by that area of the brain such as memory and muscle control are lost.

How a person is affected by their stroke depends on where the stroke occurs in the brain and how much the brain is damaged. For example, someone who had a small stroke may only have minor problems such as temporary weakness of an arm or leg. People who have larger strokes may be permanently paralyzed on one side of their body or lose their ability to speak. Some people recover completely from strokes, but more than 2/3 of survivors will have some type of disability. 25% of stroke patients experience a warning mini stroke or TIA (transient ischemic attack)e.g. transient weakness or numbness , sudden vision disturbance like curtain covering the eye briefly , loss of balance, giddiness , difficulty in finding words when trying to speak etc. These symptoms should be treated as medical emergency and if done so can prevent larger stroke.

Types of stroke

• Hemorrhagic Stroke (15%)
• Ischemic stroke (85%)

Hemorrhagic Stroke

In haemorrhagic stroke there is sudden leak of blood into brain substance or outside into subarachnoid space. It can be due to a burst aneurysm or spontaneously in poorly controlled hypertensives. The leaked blood causes disruption brain metabolism and damages the neurons . Haemorrhagic strokes are often devastating and carry 40% mortality.

Ischemic Stroke

Ischemic stroke occurs when a blood vessel carrying blood to brain is blocked by a blood clot starving the brain area of oxygen , glucose and essential nutrients . This starts a cascade of chemical reaction in cells leading to irreversible damage . Irregular heart rhythm, high blood pressure, poorly controlled diabetes are the most important risk factors for this type of stroke.

Ischemic strokes account for about 85% of all strokes.

About us & Stroke rehabilitation

• Physiotherapy is an important part of rehabilitation. Techniques such as exercise, manipulation, skills training and electrical treatment are used to recover movement.
• The main focus of physiotherapy after stroke is to help you learn to use both sides of your body again and regain as much strength and movement as possible.
• First session with a physiotherapist will include a detailed assessment after which the therapist will create a customized rehabilitation program.
• Duration and intensity of therapy will vary according to patient's needs

Our primary goals of rehabilitation:

• Prevent complications
• Minimize impairments
• Maximize function

The main aspects of intervention may include the following objectives:

• To optimize and maintain function
• To modulate tonal changes
• To re-educate and facilitate movement
• To prevent or minimize secondary complications

Our Neurophysiotherapists are specialized in the practice of a number of well recognized modalities including; Bobath, Carr, Functional Electrical Stimulation. This enables the physiotherapists to apply a multi modal approach to their therapy approach. The aim of which will be to encourage both sides of the body to work together in synergy, restoring balance, co-ordination and optimize functional capability.