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Physiotherapy Post Cerebrovascular Accident/Stroke

This article was published on: 02/16/19 9:02 AM

Cerebrovascular Accident or Stroke is a medical condition in which there is an unexpected demise of some brain cells due to lack of oxygen when the blood flow is hampered due to blockage or rupture of an artery to the brain. Cerebrovascular Accident, in other terms, is also widely known as Stroke. Cerebrovascular Accident or Stroke is a sort of medical emergency and if a patient is diagnosed with stroke, he or she should be taken to a medical facility instantaneously without wastage of time.

The symptoms of cerebrovascular attack entirely depend on which part of the brain is affected. The main symptoms are as follows:

• Usually the symptoms of Cerebrovascular Accident or Stroke arise suddenly without giving any warning alarm. Initially, the patient might feel abrupt dizziness or headaches in regular intervals.
• The patient might have sudden numbness, weakness or paralysis in their face or limbs, particularly down one side of their body.
• The person might have inadequate vision, feel discomfort while swallowing and trouble in walking.
• The patient might face difficulties while co-coordinating with their body movements and also keeping a steady balance.

There are mainly two types of Cerebrovascular Accident disease or Strokes which are widely known:

Ischemic Stroke: Ischemic stroke is caused when a clot forms in a blood vessel in your brain due to atherosclerosis which is the escalation of fatty deposits on the inner lining of a blood vessel.

Hemorrhagic Stroke: Hemorrhagic stroke results when a blood vessel in your brain fractures or breaks spilling blood into the surrounding tissues.

One of the best ways to cure Cerebrovascular Accident or Stroke is Physiotherapy which is an important part of rehabilitation. Modern yet beneficial techniques such as exercises, manipulation, massage, skills training and electrical treatment are lucrative in recovering your movement profusely. The main purpose of physiotherapy after your stroke is to learn to use both sides of your body again and recoup as much strength and movement as possible efficiently. Physiotherapy input is important in focusing in getting the affected side of the body to function more effectively, helping with accurate and normal movement, co-ordination, balance and general function.

Recovery following a stroke is most significant within the first initial 3 months as this is the optimal time for neuro plasticity to occur. The chances of recovery depend upon multiple factors, the most important being the ferocity of damage caused to the brain by the stroke. Mostly, patients get to see visible recovery within the first 12 months following the injury to the brain.